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Why Choose Curam?

  • Why should I choose Curam?

    Choice:

    We believe that you are the right person to choose your own carer. With Curam, you have complete control over who you hire as your carer, so you can choose the best person for you.

    Trust:

    We only allow vetted carers onto Curam. You or your family get to choose and interview your own carer, check their qualifications, and speak to the carers' referees for extra security.

    Speed:

    If you share your care needs on our site and carers are on-line in your area, you can hire a carer immediately – we’re the only company in the UK that offers this service. This is great for emergency care, or post-hospital care.

    Quality:

    Curam carers average 10 years of industry experience, with clear qualifications shown on their profiles, ensuring you’re in safe hands when choosing a carer.

    Cost:

    Curam gives you real choice & control, access to the best matching technology in the sector and allows clients to book consistent care from the same carer. Also, carers on Curam cost significantly less than those from an agency.

    Support:

    Our technology takes care of all the admin associated with hiring an experienced vetted carer. This includes - carer insurance, service agreements and invoices, which can be easily approved by you. Also, the Curam app can securely store your payment details so that paying your carer is quick and easy.

    If you ever have any questions or doubts, our client support team is here to answer your queries. Just drop a line to client@curamcare.com.

  • What is Curam?

    Curam - The Digital Care Agency

    2.1 Curam matches health care workers and care seekers to connect and arrange home care services between one another via its unique digital marketplace – This includes clients accessing CQC and managed care packages through its appropriate group companies.

    Every carer on Curam has been interviewed and fully vetted by our recruitment team - they have had their DBS checked (and Visa if relevant), have the right to work in the UK and any qualifications mentioned on their profile have been backed up with certificates.

    Traditional and hybrid are agencies typically send in different carers daily. With Curam, you have complete control over who comes into your home and the opportunity for consistent and trusted carers of your choice.

  • Is homecare better than care homes?

    It obviously all depends on the individual and their personal circumstances and in many cases their health and available family support. All things being equal however, homecare usually provides a better quality of life as it allows someone to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, surrounded by neighbours, friends and pets. Homecare is also the most flexible care option and is typically more cost effective than care homes.

    Homecare also makes it easier to see family members, especially during difficult times such as Covid.

     

  • What do clients think about using Curam?

    In our Trustpilot reviews, clients told us the 7 best things about finding a carer with Curam included:

    · Speed and efficiency

    · The high quality experienced carers

    · The ability to interview carers via video call

    · The Curam app and website

    · Choice and flexibility of care

    · Client support services

    · Low, fair prices

    Read our ‘What do Clients Think About Using Curam to Hire Carers?’ blog to find out more.

     

     

How Curam Works

  • Is there a minimum shift length?

    Yes, the minimum shift length is one hour.

    We believe that short 15- or 30-minute visits do not give the carer enough time to properly care for the client. Our minimum shift length ensures a better standard of care and a more meaningful relationship between the caregiver and care receiver.

  • How do I share my care needs with suitable carers?

    Posting your care requirements on Curam is the best way to connect with carers near you – don’t worry none of your personal contact details are ever shared without your permission.

    Click on the care type you need at the top of the homepage and answer the rest of a short series of questions. In two minutes, you will have shared your care needs which will go out in real time to approved suitable and available carers near you. If they can help, they will send a message to your account page on Curam where you can review and decide if you’d like to have a video call with them.

  • What areas of the UK do you cover?

    We cover all of the United Kingdom of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland and we are launching in the Republic of Ireland in early 2026. We currently have carers in every postcode in the UK and hundreds of carers and personal assistants are signing up to the platform every month. Please search for carers to find the availability of carers in your area.

  • What is person-centred care?

    According to the NHS Health Education England, person-centred care is ‘about focusing care on the needs of an individual. Ensuring that people's preferences, needs and values guide clinical decisions and providing care that is respectful of and responsive to them.’

    We believe that person-centred care is the best way to care for someone. It can prevent future illness and ensures that the care-recipient's emotional and physical needs are looked after.

    We believe Curam creates the perfect environment for person-centred care, as we believe that you are the best person to choose a carer who fully understands you and can be respectful and responsive to your needs.

  • Is there a minimum contract length?

    No, you can hire a Curam carer for as short or as long a period as you require. The length of service is decided between yourself and the carer and clearly stated on the service agreement that you draw up together.

    However, there is a minimum shift length of one hour.

  • What happens if I am not happy with my carer?

    The selection of the best carer for you is a very personal decision. Like any relationship, sometimes the dynamic can change.

    If at any time you are not happy with your care assistant you can, if you wish, change them for another carer on the site. We recommend that you give at least 48 hours' notice.

    You can cancel your contract with a Curam carer at any time and are only obliged to pay for the care that has already been delivered.

  • How do I search for a live-in carer?

    Use the care-type filter at the top of the page and select ‘live-in’ to post your requirements to our live in carers. We have a specialist live-in care team who will be in contact with you immediately during normal office hours and are there to help you in any way they can. There is a choice from nearly a thousand highly experienced, specialised live-in carers on Curam and our team will be able to guide you as to who will be most appropriate for you or your families circumstances.

    Live-in carers will often travel long distances to a live-in job location for a defined contract period, so the distance shown from their normal location can be disregarded when searching.

     

  • What if there is a shortage of carers in my area?

    We have approved nearly 11,000 carers and approve carers from across the UK onto Curam on a daily basis – we also have a further 50,000 carers who have their applications in process - if you do not find any available, suitable carers in your area, please post your care needs to our broader community and we can fast track suitable carers for approval.

  • Tips for interviewing a carer

    We believe it is essential that you feel as comfortable as possible with bringing a carer or personal assistant into your home. Interviewing a carer before hiring them is a good way to check that someone is the right person for you. Curam uniquely gives clients the opportunity to video call carers through the website without any prior commitment. If you like the carer and think they would be a good fit, then you can move to meeting them in person.

    Before interviewing a potential carer, it is a good idea to prepare your questions to make sure you ask everything you want to and gather all the information you need to decide.

    Having read the carer’s profile, you will be aware of their experience, hobbies/interests and their personal statement, but an interview will allow you to delve deeper and find out more about a carer, their experience and personality.

    Here are some tips for interviewing a carer:

    o Interviews can be very nerve-wracking for some people, so try to make the carer feel at ease

    o Avoid asking yes/no questions, try asking something in a way that allows them to give a more detailed answer - how, what, when, why and where are good words with which to start your questions

    o For example, instead of asking ‘Do you have experience with dementia care?’, you can ask ‘What was your experience of caring for someone with dementia like? How did it go?’

    o Try to discover whether the carer properly understands what matters to you the most

    o Make sure that the carer will be able to meet you or your loved one’s care requirements

    You can always ask for a carer’s references if you think it will help you in an interview, or when deciding.

  • Can I hire more than one carer at the same time?

    Yes, you can either search and message multiple carers or post your care requirements on Curam advertising for multiple carers. You can then interview the carers and approve their service agreements according to your needs

  • What questions should I ask in a carer interview?

    • Every client will have different priorities and may want to ask different questions. We suggest you tailor interview questions to your individual situation. However, if you are struggling to come up with questions, here are some suggested questions you could ask a carer in an interview:

      o How long have you been a carer?

      o Having looked at your profile, I have read your expertise, but can you please explain more in depth?

      o What skills do you feel you could bring to the job?

      o Are you able to do heavy lifting? If so, please describe a time when you have had to do so (if required)

      o What are your cooking skills like? (if required)

      o How do you get on with pets? (if this applies)

      o If a live-in carer is required – How happy are you about living away from home?

      o Do you have your own car? If not, how do you anticipate getting here and out and about?

      o If you or the care recipient have precise issues, ask if they have ever worked with someone similar before. For  example: ‘how would you deal with forgetfulness?’, or ‘have you dealt with an aggressive client before?’

      o Do you have a buddy set up as an option for your client to choose as cover for your holidays or illness?

      o Do you have any questions for me? - Invite questions at the end, the carer must be happy to work for you as well as   you be happy to hire them.

    It is also important to discuss:

      o The carer's preferred rota/hours

      o Their rates and any additional expenses such as travel and food

      o If they charge an additional cost for having to get up in the night (most live in carers are fine with a bit of disturbance, however some charge per call)

      o Time off (most live-in carers expect 2 hours off a day)

      o Mobile phone use (many clients restrict to emergencies and time off) and use of broadband (if there is any at the   house)

      o Duties expected in addition to the care work, for example: housekeeping, minding pets, driving.

    We find that if everyone is happy and on the same page, this will help to create more enjoyable long-term care relationships. An interview can help you check that you like the carer and that the carer feels comfortable and prepared for the job.

  • Do I have to pay for a trial shift?

    Yes, you are obliged to pay for any care that has been received.

  • Can I choose my carer?

    At Curam, the central ethos of our business is that you, the client, are the best person to choose and manage your carer or personal assistant.

    When an individual or their family can and wants to choose and manage their carer, we believe that Curam is their best option.

  • What if I need to change my care package?

    If you decide that you need to change your care package, you should discuss this with your carer. They may be able to add or subtract hours from your shift invoice and afford you some flexibility.

    If you decide that you need another carer, you can hire them through the platform quickly and easily as per your needs.

  • Should I meet a carer before approving a service agreement?

    Yes. We advise that all clients meet their carer to discuss the clients care package before approving any service agreement.

    Before that we recommend that you have an online call with your preferred carer on “CuramMeet” via the app or website (please download the Curam client app as this makes the experience very easy). To initiate a “CuramMeet” call, click the "CuramMeet” icon on the carers profile.

  • How do I search for care workers or personal assistants?

    Enter the postcode where care is required in our search bar and select the type of care (hourly/live-in/overnight) as well as any filters (language/experience) that you may need.

    The platform will then match you with suitable carers and you can scroll down to see their profiles.

    You will need to be registered as a client to message a carer. You can also post a job via the Curam platform.

  • What tasks will my carer carry out?

    It is up to you to discuss with your carer which tasks you would like them to do. They will then be written on the service agreement between you and your carer.

    However, if you would like some guidance on some of the tasks a carer might normally carry out, take a look at our care types homepage where you can read articles explaining more about the care type you require.

  • What happens if I have a dispute with my carer?

    Ultimately the relationship between the client and the carer is a working relationship. If the relationship is not functioning, then our advice is for you to replace your current carer with another care worker.

    If the dispute is of a serious nature, for example, a criminal act, then you must report it at once to the police and Curam. We will investigate it immediately.

    We take all reports of unacceptable behaviour by carers extremely seriously. If we receive a formal complaint against a carer from a client we will immediately inform their other clients and reserve the right to either prevent the care worker from acquiring new clients or in cases of a serious nature remove them from the platform at once.

The Curam App

  • Why should I download the app?

    If you download the Curam app you will have full access to all the features that Curam has to offer. You can search and message carers, create job ads, approve service agreements, check shift invoices and pay your carer – all with a few simple taps in our client app.

    Within the app you can keep a list of your favourite carers and easily view all the carers you have messaged. You can also receive notifications every time a carer messages you, creates a service agreement, or sends you a shift invoice for you to approve.

    The app can, if desired, remember your payment details, leading to quicker and easier payments for you.

    Click here to download the app today.

Safety and Privacy

  • Is Curam safe?

    Yes, in fact we believe that Curam (if used correctly) is safer than the traditional off-line agency.

    You or your family get to choose and interview your own carer, you can check their qualifications and speak to the carers' referees for extra security. Our technology allows you to be in constant communication with the carer via the Client App and we guarantee that they are who they say they are on their passport or ID document.

    See our reviews on Trustpilot for what other clients think.

  • As a client do carers see my personal and contact information?

    No. We anonymise the personal details of every client who share their care needs.

    Carers will only see your personal information if you decide to provide it to them. When you message a carer through the Curam platform, they are only able to see your first name and the first initial of your surname.

     

  • Is Curam registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the Care Inspectorate or the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA)?

    Yes Curam is regulated by the CQC and rated ‘Good’ – all prospective clients on Curam are offered CQC regulated packages and in some cases it is mandatory for care packages to be regulated however many clients due to the increased costs associated with regulated care packages, certainly initially, opt for a non-regulated package – if you’d like to talk about the best option for you please call our client support team on 020 3859 8970 during normal working hours.

    Regardless of what care package a client opts for we at Curam expect every carer to carry out their duties to the very highest standards espoused by the CQC, the Care Inspectorate or the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). Any complaint against any carer is always investigated and any serious breach of the code will see the carer removed from www.curamcare.com immediately.

  • Can we know when a carer has completed their visit?

    We are currently developing a check-in/check-out feature for our Curam client app. It will let you know when the carer arrives at the care recipient’s location and when they leave. This feature will be rolled out later this year.

    Temporarily, if you would like to check up on a carer’s whereabouts, we recommend that you message them via our app or give them a quick phone call.

  • How does Curam approve and vet its carers? / Do you carry out background checks?

    Like any standard care agency, our Carer Support Team background check and interview all our carers, in addition we use the latest biometric face scanning technology to positively identify every carer on the platform.

    This includes Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks in England & Wales, Disclosure Scotland and NI Access in Northern Ireland. We also check identity documents, visas, right to work in the UK, tax and employment status and, if relevant, driving license and relevant qualifications.

    We also insist on two independent referees (at least one of them a UK resident) who are willing to vouch for the carer. Many carers are also individually reviewed by their previous clients on the platform.

  • What is a DBS/PVG check?

    A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a check of a person’s criminal record which shows details of all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings held on central police records (apart from protected convictions and cautions.

    A PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check is the Scottish equivalent of a DBS check.

    An Access NI (Northern Ireland) check is the Northern Ireland equivalent.

    We make sure each Curam carer has an appropriate up-to-date DBS/PVG/Access NI check uploaded to their profile before approving them onto the platform.

  • Can I contact a carer’s references before hiring them?

    Yes. We strongly recommend that all clients contact referees directly. All care workers on the platform will have provided two referees (of which one must be a UK resident).

    The carer can provide their referees’ contact details via the Curam app. Please contact us by email at client@curamcare.com if you have any issues with this.

Payments and Costs

  • What if my carer does not fulfil the service agreement terms?

    If you are unsatisfied with your carer’s service, we recommend that you give notice to that carer and search for a carer more suited to your needs on our website.

  • Who sets the rates for Curam carers' earnings?

    Every carer on Curam sets their own rates, however depending on hours and the client’s flexibility nearly all will negotiate around their rates. Bear in mind carers organise their own diaries and rates will be determined by shift lengths, flexibility and complexity of care.

    The average rate on Curam is £20.50 per hour, with more experienced carers charging more and less qualified carers charging less.

    We have set the minimum rate on Curam to be in line with the National Living Wage (£12.21). The minimum that carers should charge per hour is therefore £14.40 (Our 12% client fee will be added to your invoices).

  • How do I pay my carer?

    When you have found a suitable carer, they will create a service agreement and shift invoice via the website. This will be sent through to your Curam account, and you will be advised via email.

    Please then log into your account, click the Agreement tab and review the service agreement. If all is in order you can then approve it.

    · You will then be taken to the invoice. Once you have checked it, click on approve and pay.

    · You can either enter card details or bank details to make the payment.

    · Your payment is managed by the secure payment system at Mangopay. Curam does not hold any credit card or bank     details.

    · Your payment is held securely until the shift is completed and is then normally released to the carer 2 working days after the end of the shift minus our fee.

    For information on how to pay via BACS or Local Authority Direct Payments, please contact us at accounts@curamcare.com

    If you receive NHS CHC funding, hiring a self-employed carer needs to be agreed by the CCG through the CHC team. Please contact the Direct Payment Coordinator in the CHS Direct Payment service.

    Again, all CQC packages are priced on a bespoke basis depending on level of support and supervision that is required for further information email client@curamcare.com

    Off-platform and cash payments are never acceptable, they are a safeguarding risk for both clients and carers and furthermore make our insurance cover invalid. If you want to employ a carer directly then there is a placement fee. For further information email client@curamcare.com.

    Please see our terms and conditions for more information, specifically point 9.3.

     

  • Can I recruit a carer off Curam?

    Yes, you can, however you must have transacted with the carer for a 90-day period via the Curam platform and will be liable for a recruitment fee of £750 + VAT.

  • What happens if I pay my carer in cash?

    We do not allow off-site payments between clients and carers that have made contact via Curam, this includes cash payments.

    If we find out that off-site transactions have taken place, then both the client and the carer will be removed from the platform, and you will be liable to a £1,000 + VAT placement fee. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.

  • How much does my carer get paid?

    The carer is paid the rate they have agreed with you minus our Curam carer fee of 15% which covers all of Curam’s support to both carers and clients.

    For example, if you pay the carer £18.50 per hour, the carer will receive £15.72 per hour.

    It is Curam’s policy that we try and ensure that carer’s on Curam earn more than the National Living Wage.

  • What are the costs of care with Curam?

    Carers set their own rates on Curam. These vary according to the carer’s location, experience and qualifications.  

    The average rate charged on Curam for hourly visits is currently £20.50 an hour and £1,200 per week for live-in care*. Our 12% client fee will be added to your invoices.  

    *August 2025  

  • How do I get a refund?

    Card payments are released to care workers usually 2 working days after a shift ends. If you require a partial or full refund, please contact us as soon as possible. To contact us please open the relevant invoice and click the “contact support” button, please submit your query – this will put the invoice on hold, and we can arrange a refund.

Expenses and Charges

Insurance

  • What are the terms of the insurance?

    A group Insurance Policy in place for Ecare Group, which also covers the Legal Liability of carers.

    The cover includes.

    Public Liability

    Up to £1,000,000 covering claims against you if you have accidentally caused Bodily Injury or Damage to Property.

    Professional Liability

    Up to £1,000,000 covering claims made against you for Professional Negligence in your role as a carer.

    Legal Expenses

    Where necessary the Insurer will appoint legal counsel to defend claims made against you under either of the above Liability sections.

    Please contact one of our team at: accounts@curamcare.com for more information or for the complete terms.

  • How do I make an insurance claim?

    Your policy is insured with CFC. If you need to submit a claim, please email accounts@curamcare.com.

  • Are the Curam carers insured?

    Yes. Every carer that is hired through Curam is fully insured for the hours that they transact through the platform. The insurance is activated by the approval of a service agreement and accompanying shift invoice provided by your carer. Please ensure all service agreements are approved prior to the commencement of a shift to validate the Our insurance provider is CFC and a copy of the policy is available if you are a client, and you email the office.

Care Funding

Microteams

  • What do I do if my carer is sick or wants to go on holiday? (What is a micro-team?)

    All the carers on our platform are encouraged to work in a micro-team with other carers. Each carer’s team is formed of other carers that they trust and believe will maintain the same high standards of care that they currently deliver to you.

    When you first start receiving care with a Curam carer, your carer will inform you as to who is in their micro-team. You will be able check their profiles and select them as/when you need cover.

    If you do not believe your carer’s micro-team is suitable, you can of course select another carer from the platform instead.

  • How do I pay the replacement carer from my carer's micro-team?

    Your replacement carer will simply send you a service agreement and shift invoice via the Curam platform whilst your regular carer is away.

    Your main carer will have to amend their invoice to ensure you do not pay twice.

    You then approve the service agreement and shift agreement as usual and pay through the platform.

Personal Assistants

  • What is a personal assistant?

    A personal assistant is a more modern term used instead or to supplement the description of carer in the traditional sense of the word. They mainly help adults, young adults and children who have disabilities with day-to-day tasks.

    Here are some of the tasks a PA can help with:

    •   Cooking, cleaning and keeping a tidy home
    • Admin, budgeting and paperwork
    • Social skills, communication and maintaining relationships with family and friends
    • Companionship, interests and hobbies
    • Study skills, finding work and maintaining accommodation
    • Prompting someone to take their medication
    • Giving peace of mind to a client and their family
    • Specialist care and support with treatments

    Many personal assistants use Curam all over the UK. You can filter the results in your carer search to find the perfect personal assistant for you.

    This way, you can choose who you want your personal assistant to be. You can make sure that a person’s skills, experience and personality suit your needs and values.

Curam for Businesses

Support

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