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How to Book Care

Complete guide to booking care services on CarerNest

Booking Process Overview

Find Carers

Search and browse available carers

Contact

Message or call your chosen carer

Book

Schedule your care appointment

Confirm

Receive booking confirmation

Step 1: Finding the Right Carer

Search Options

Location-Based Search

  • • Enter your postcode or address
  • • Set your preferred travel distance
  • • View carers on an interactive map
  • • See travel time estimates

Filter by Needs

  • • Type of care needed
  • • Availability (days/times)
  • • Experience level
  • • Special qualifications
  • • Languages spoken
  • • Price range

Evaluating Carers

Reviews & Ratings

  • • Overall star rating
  • • Recent client reviews
  • • Response rate
  • • Reliability score

Verification Status

  • • DBS check status
  • • Identity verified
  • • References checked
  • • Insurance coverage

Profile Details

  • • Experience summary
  • • Specializations
  • • Availability calendar
  • • Personal introduction

Step 2: Contacting Your Chosen Carer

Communication Options

In-App Messaging

Secure messaging through CarerNest platform

Phone Call

Direct phone contact (available after initial message)

Video Call

Meet virtually before booking (optional)

What to Discuss

Key Topics to Cover:

  • • Specific care needs and requirements
  • • Preferred dates and times
  • • Duration of care sessions
  • • Any special considerations
  • • Location and access details
  • • Emergency contact information
  • • Payment preferences

Tip: Be clear about your needs and expectations. Good communication leads to better care experiences.

Step 3: Making Your Booking

Booking Process

1

Select Date & Time

Choose from the carer's available slots or request specific times.

  • • View real-time availability
  • • Book single sessions or recurring care
  • • Set start and end times
  • • Add buffer time if needed
2

Specify Care Details

Provide detailed information about the care needed.

  • • Type of care required
  • • Specific tasks or activities
  • • Any medical considerations
  • • Mobility or accessibility needs
3

Confirm Location

Verify the care location and provide access details.

  • • Full address with postcode
  • • Parking information
  • • Access codes or key arrangements
  • • Special entry instructions
4

Review & Confirm

Double-check all details before finalizing your booking.

  • • Verify date, time, and duration
  • • Check carer details and rate
  • • Review total cost estimate
  • • Confirm cancellation policy

Step 4: Payment & Confirmation

Payment Process

Authorization Hold

We place a temporary hold on your payment method for the estimated amount. This is not a charge - just a security measure.

Final Payment

After care is completed, you'll be charged the actual amount based on time spent and services provided.

What Happens Next

Instant Confirmation

Receive booking confirmation via email and app notification

Carer Notification

Your carer receives booking details and can contact you if needed

Calendar Sync

Booking automatically added to your CarerNest calendar

Reminders

Automatic reminders sent 24 hours and 2 hours before care

Types of Bookings

One-Time Booking

  • • Single care session
  • • Specific date and time
  • • Perfect for trial sessions
  • • No ongoing commitment
  • • Easy to book additional sessions

Recurring Booking

  • • Regular care schedule
  • • Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
  • • Same carer for consistency
  • • Automatic booking renewal
  • • Discounted rates available

Emergency Booking

  • • Same-day or urgent care
  • • Available 24/7
  • • Higher rates may apply
  • • Subject to carer availability
  • • Priority matching system

Booking Tips for Success

Before Booking

  • • Read carer profiles thoroughly
  • • Check reviews and ratings
  • • Verify availability matches your needs
  • • Prepare a list of care requirements
  • • Have your address and access details ready
  • • Consider booking a meet-and-greet first

Communication Best Practices

  • • Be clear about your expectations
  • • Mention any special requirements upfront
  • • Ask questions about experience
  • • Discuss emergency procedures
  • • Share relevant medical information
  • • Confirm all details before booking

Pro Tip:

Book your first session as a shorter trial to ensure compatibility. This helps both you and the carer understand expectations before committing to longer sessions.

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