Hi Arfan,
I would suggest looking at Business Link for standard templates (staff, terms and conditions, website policies, guidelines, invoices, etc). I use their materials regularly, tweaking them as I need to and they serve me really well.
Accounting software: look at TAS Basics for free software (there was a recent offer that was on the internet, hopefully should still be there), I know various businesses that use them and they serve their purpose.
I know you're also looking for specific homecare products which I'm afraid on that front I won't be able to advise but hope the above helps you in some way.
Good luck,
Drew
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Drew Rogers
Renew Fitness Retreat
www.renewfitnessretreat.co.uk

Hi Arfan,

me and you both are starting a domicillary/ homecare agency!! - I purchased this pack of information yesterday for it http://tinyurl.com/38tw92t - it cost me £60..but given that we are both novices and need to keep our costs low! we can split the costs 50/50 of it and i can send you the full package i purchased.

pat.

Hi

I am starting up a care agency and just wants to know if anyone knows where i can get a good software. It would also be good to hear from the others who have posted on this site.

Hi

It would be nice to hear from anyone who have just started a CARE AGENCY and who is willinging to share ideas

Hi

Would be glad to help just give me a shout ive started up now so may be of some help.
Software is all dependent on what you want to use it for .

I am looking for software to keep track of things like shifts, clients info. How are you finding the journey one year in. Is it difficult to precure jobs. Any pitfalls that I need to be aware of or tips that would be useful.

hi everyone.

I worked as an inspector for CQC for 8 years registering and inspecting care services. I have also worked with some of the big care providers such as Carewatch
Affinity Trust and St Annes in the north.

There are a number of software packages on the market for call scheduling, rotas, invoicing and call monitoring. You would need to look at what functionality you require

I would strongly advise new providers to be very wary of off the shelf packages for policies as many of them are not compliant with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 essential standards. You have to ensure that the policies and procedures reflect your business and your name is not just copied and pasted in.

As far as registration goes you do need to know the standards, it is still possible to get hold of a bound copy for free.

In terms if developing your market there is the indepdent or private market which does mean using social and otehr media , managing relationships with brokerage teams, carers groups etc. Or there is the traditional market of referrals from social services or health. These require you more often than not to be on a preferred provider list which is achieved through tendering.
Once up and running agencies need to meet contractual obligations and monitoring requirements of both commissioners and CQC.

My company advises on new registrations, developing businesses, writing tenders and providing guidance on compliance.
Happy to hear from anyone who needs help.
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Resident CQC expert, helping new and existing care businesses

Hi glassang, phew from care employee to running a care bureau, that's one almighty leap. Look, I'm going to be dependable here and you may not like what I have to state but I'm conceiving of you and only your best concerns.

Unless you have currently some know-how of effectively running a small enterprise then under no attenuating factors should you even start to believe of beginning up one in what is an exceedingly comparable market place and an tremendous amount of legal and red tape matters.

As a enterprise proprietor, your skills as a carer will be I'm miserable to say of little help with the day to day work that you would be needed to do. The following register will be just a little part of what running a business like this will entail;

Accounts/Book-keeping
Payroll
Banking
clientele service
Health and security
Public Liability protection
Business protection
Interviewing
following up references
Dismissing persons
paid work arguments
Staff teaching and development
trading and Media
Computer schemes
facts and figures Protection
CRB tests
Public Authority/Outside Agencies liaison
Covering employees Sickness/Leave
Taking phone calls
responding notes and internet messages
Filing and management
Ordering Stationary
Hiring/Buying agency Equipment
Paying accounts
Keeping Abreast of Relevant Legislation
following up late/non-payers
Tracking trading Efficiency
Studying Your affray.

Then you'll almost certainly need enterprise building, at the smallest an office for a expert look, some home enterprises can be run from your kitchen table but this isn't such a enterprise. So then you'll need agency employees except you believe you can handle all the above solely and they'll need lather and paper towels and you'll have to have blaze drills and electrical gear checking and more health and security and on and on and on......

So in summary, except you've left a big chunk off your CV and you're squatted on a pile of invest-able money I'd state depart well alone, you'll waste time, cash and energy trying to contend with businesses that have all the above and more.

That's the bad report, the good report is you'd like to run your own business which displays you're determined and not afraid of hard work which is commendable and you've shown you're not afraid to request guidance when you're not sure, which believe me puts you overhead 70% of persons I've come across.

Right, here's the best advice I can give to you;

First make a list of all your abilities and qualifications as well as a list of things you're not so good at or don't like doing.

Use this register to traverse reference with little businesses that perfectly

you can run from dwelling ( reduced overheads )
doesn't need much upfront money ( if it doesn't work out you're not too out of pouch )
you can start off with only yourself working ( add employees as the business builds only )
you can take on staff as self-employed only, contracting themselves out to you ( bypass a allotment of paperwork and overheads )
there are currently little businesses doing this work ( proves the notion works )
there is good potential for word of mouth referral ( invaluable to hold marketing charges down )
can be sold in the local area very cheaply/free ( obvious )
you would enjoy doing ( your own enterprise is hard work but it'll be a allotmentmentment harder if you don't even like doing it )
you can start part-time whilst working your job/a job ( any new business takes time to actually get going, if you're constantly fretting about paying your accounts you won't be adept to be at your best to propel your new business on )


Right that's my best recommendations ( as a little enterprise proprietor self start-up ) I can't actually give you too numerous suggestions because I understand so little about you but a couple of dwelling businesses which have stood the check of time are
Gardeners ( lawn chopping and pruning, nothing foremost )
House Cleaners
Dog Walkers
Pet Sitters
Window Cleaning

or how about using your care experience to offer a service in the community, localized councils are laying off care staff universal and there's compelled to be people falling through the gaps. You could offer an taxi/escort service to the disabled/elderly for buying excursions days out etc, or how about a food store delivery/bill giving services to the housebound. A pop-in service for the aged ( not care ) just a pop-in twice a day state for 15 minutes for a chat and to ascertain they're OK, some families would be happy to pay you for this calm of brain and safety precaution for their loved ones.

anything you conclude I wish you luck and hope you're not too upset with my answer.