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How to Book a Carer

Step-by-step guide to booking your chosen carer

Booking Process Steps

Contact

Message the carer

Schedule

Choose date & time

Details

Add care info

Payment

Secure payment

Confirm

Booking confirmed

Step 1: Contact the Carer

Before You Message

Review Their Profile

Check their experience, specializations, and availability

Read Reviews

Look for feedback relevant to your care needs

Check Verification

Ensure they have the required badges for your needs

Your First Message

Include These Details:

  • • Brief introduction about yourself
  • • Type of care needed
  • • Preferred dates and times
  • • Duration of care sessions
  • • Location (general area)
  • • Any special requirements
  • • Questions about their experience

Tip: Be clear and specific in your first message. This helps the carer understand your needs and respond appropriately.

Step 2: Choose Date & Time

Availability Options

Real-Time Calendar

View the carer's available time slots in real-time

  • • Green slots: Available
  • • Red slots: Booked
  • • Gray slots: Unavailable

Request Custom Times

If your preferred time isn't shown, you can request it. The carer will confirm if they can accommodate.

Booking Types

One-Time Session

Single care appointment for a specific date and time

Recurring Care

Regular schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)

Emergency Booking

Same-day or urgent care (subject to availability)

Duration Guidelines:

Minimum Duration

Most carers have a 2-hour minimum booking

Typical Sessions

2-4 hours for companionship, 4-8 hours for personal care

Overnight Care

10-12 hour sessions, typically 8 PM - 8 AM

Step 3: Specify Care Details

Care Information

Type of Care

Select the primary type of care needed:

  • • Companionship and social support
  • • Personal care (washing, dressing)
  • • Medication management
  • • Mobility assistance
  • • Meal preparation
  • • Light housekeeping

Specific Tasks

Detail exactly what you need help with during the care session

Important Details

Medical Information

Share relevant medical conditions, allergies, or special needs

Mobility & Accessibility

Mention any mobility aids, accessibility requirements, or physical limitations

Preferences

Communication style, activities, dietary requirements, etc.

Location & Access

Address Details

  • • Full address with postcode
  • • Apartment/flat number if applicable
  • • Parking availability and restrictions
  • • Public transport links

Access Information

  • • Entry codes or key arrangements
  • • Buzzer/intercom instructions
  • • Special entry procedures
  • • Emergency contact details

Step 4: Payment & Confirmation

Cost Breakdown

Carer Rate (4 hours × £18)£72.00
Platform Fee (15%)£10.80
Total£82.80

This is an estimate. Final cost depends on actual time spent and services provided.

Payment Process

1

Authorization Hold

We place a temporary hold on your payment method for the estimated amount

2

Care Completion

After care is provided, the actual amount is calculated

3

Final Charge

You're charged the actual amount within 2 hours of completion

Step 5: Booking Confirmation

What Happens Next

Instant Confirmation

You'll receive an email and app notification confirming your booking

Carer Notification

Your carer receives all booking details and can contact you if needed

Calendar Integration

Booking is added to your CarerNest calendar and can sync with your device

Automatic Reminders

24 Hours Before

Reminder with carer details and preparation tips

2 Hours Before

Final reminder with carer contact information

Day of Care

Carer arrival notification and live tracking (if enabled)

Managing Your Booking

Before Care Starts

  • • Message your carer with any updates
  • • Modify booking details if needed
  • • Cancel if necessary (check policy)
  • • Prepare your home for the visit
  • • Have emergency contacts ready

During Care

  • • Track care session in real-time
  • • Contact support if issues arise
  • • Communicate any changes needed
  • • Note any concerns or feedback
  • • Confirm care completion

After Care

  • • Review and rate your carer
  • • Check your invoice and payment
  • • Book future sessions if satisfied
  • • Report any issues to support
  • • Share feedback to help others

Important Policies

Cancellation Policy

24+ Hours Notice

Full refund, no cancellation fee

2-24 Hours Notice

50% cancellation fee applies

Less than 2 Hours

Full payment required

Safety & Security

Emergency Support

24/7 emergency helpline available

Insurance Coverage

All bookings covered by comprehensive insurance

Quality Assurance

Regular quality checks and carer monitoring

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