Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an introductory agency?

As an introductory agency we will interview any potential Cousins and carry out any relevant checks such as DBS, right to work in the UK and professional references. We also ensure they have completed any training that is required and that this is kept up to date. The Cousins then work on a self-employed basis and handle all their own tax. As an introductory agency we do not direct the care, giving the Client the freedom to direct care as they wish.

What needs to be provided for the live in Cousin?

A live in Cousin would need to have their own bedroom with space to store their belongings. The Cousins would also need to be provided with food, often they will eat the same food as the Client cooking a little extra and join them at mealtimes, unless the Client prefers to eat alone. 

How long do live in Cousins stay?

We are able to accommodate any length of time you may require a Cousin. Many of our Cousins will work on a 2 week rota so if someone is required on a long term basis we will endeavour to get a rota of regular Cousins who will work in this pattern.

What visiting care options do you provide?

At Country Cousins we do not provide a visiting care service, however our sister agencies are able to provide visiting care in London and selected areas in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Middlesex.

Patricia White's (London)

Saga Care at Home (selected areas of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Middlesex)

Will my live in Cousin get up over night?

Live in Cousins are in the house overnight should there be an emergency. Occasionally when someone is unwell they may need extra attention at night. The live in Cousins are happy to help in these situations but may request some extra time off during the day to get some sleep. There is an extra charge for the Cousin if they are called overnight of £11 per call. The Cousin should not be getting up more than twice a night.

If the Client gets up regularly overnight then extra night care may need to be organised as a live in Cousin will not be able to sustain the level of care required if they are not getting enough sleep.

Do you cover nights?

We are able to provide live in Cousins who will cover nights. They would need the same accommodation as a day time live in Cousin and should be able to sleep during the day without being disturbed. They will then be awake with the Client all night to provide them with the care that they need.

Do the Cousins drive?

Many of our Cousins hold a drivers licence and would be able to drive the Clients’ car if appropriate car insurance is arranged. We are unable to guarantee a car driver but will always do our best to provide this if it has been requested.

The majority of our Cousins do not have their own cars.

Can I contact you out of office hours?

We do operate an on call service at weekends. If there is an emergency outside of our regular office hours (8am – 6pm Monday to Friday) then you can call the office number and you will be provided with a mobile number. This will be answered by one of office team, between the hours of 8am and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, who will be happy to help in any way they can. 

What locations do you cover?

Our Cousins are happy to travel anywhere in the UK. Depending on their visa status many of them are also happy to travel outside of the UK to accompany Clients on trips if this is needed.





To request home care from Country Cousins, call us on   or request a call back from our dedicated team of advisors.

  • A great blessing to us

    On behalf of my brother and myself, and indeed all our family, I should like to record the debt we owe the Country Cousins who came to care for both our parents over the past 2 years. Without the help of Country Cousins, Mum and Dad could not have stayed in their own home and this they so dearly wished to do, it was a great blessing to us all that this became a reality.

  • Very professional and extremely caring

    I would like to say that the Country Cousins, who cared for my wife until she died, were very professional and extremely caring and kind during the time they were here. I would like to say thank you, at Country Cousins, for sending them in our time of need.

  • Enjoyed Country Cousins support

    I have now enjoyed the support of your Country Cousins and I would like you to know that of 6 1/2 years of having to need care, these two ladies, though very different in character, they are both splendid carers in their own way.

  • You never let us down

    Thank you to you all at Country Cousins for the support you have given us over the last four years. You have never let us down over the years, we have met some interesting and caring people. We have no hesitation in recommending you to other people.

  • Very pleased and happy in her care

    Can you kindly note that I was very happy with the Country Cousin who came to look after my mother and she was very happy in her care too. Very reassuring to know that she was in the capable hands of someone you could trust.

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