Micro Care providers offer flexible, personalised and local care in your home. They support independence, choice and control.
On this page:
- About Micro Care
- Search for a Micro Care provider
- Why choose Micro Care
- How to arrange Micro Care
- Contact a Micro Care provider
- Raising concerns
- Real stories
About Micro Care
Micro Care Providers help people to live well and independently in their own homes and communities. Micro Care providers typically offer:
- Home help - Support with cleaning, shopping, cooking and pets.
- Companionship - Company and support to access activities and trips.
- Personal care - This can include help with eating or drinking, washing, dressing and medication. Not all Micro Care services provide personal care.
Micro Care can be arranged using Direct Payments or paid for privately.
Search for a Micro Care provider
You can search for local Micro Care providers using the Dewis Cymru directory.
Search for Micro Care providers locally
The Micro Care providers listed in this directory have been supported by an organisation called Community Catalysts. This support helps providers set up legally and professionally. They have also committed to the Doing it Right Standards, however RCT Council does not formally accredit or approve Micro Care Providers.
The Doing it Right Standards are a set of quality and safety standards. These cover areas such as:
- legal compliance
- health and safety expectations
- insurance
- Disclosure and Barring Service checks (DBS)
- values and quality expectations
Why choose Micro Care?
RCT Council is supporting the creation and growth of Micro Care enterprises. These services provide highly tailored support, build strong and trusting relationships, and help people shape how their care is delivered. This approach closely aligns with Adult Services’ strategy for 2025–2030.
Evidence from recent years shows that local people benefit in several ways, including:
- reduced waiting times
- continuity of support
- services designed around their specific needs
- care delivered by workers who know their communities well
Micro Care enterprises also help keep money within the local area, create jobs, and support strong and connected communities. The benefits extend beyond those who receive care directly.
Using a Micro Care provider may be right for you if you want:
- the same person to visit you regularly
- flexible and longer visits
- a local service built on trusted relationships
Micro Care providers may not be suitable if you need:
- round-the-clock care or a large number of care hours
- a fully managed or regulated care service
- highly specialist care and support
Because Micro Care services are very small and are not regulated by Care Inspectorate Wales in the same way as larger care agencies, they are not suitable for everyone.
There are three important things to consider:
- Making suitable checks
This includes checking insurance cover, an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS), and whether the service meets your needs.
- Directing and coordinating care
You will need to manage and coordinate your care and support on an ongoing basis.
- Planning for changes
You should agree suitable plans for cancelled visits, sickness or holiday periods directly with the Micro Care enterprise.
How to Arrange Micro Care
If you are eligible for care and support funded by Social Services, you can speak to your care manager about receiving Direct Payments. This can allow you to purchase support from a Micro Care provider.
You can also choose to pay privately for support from a Micro Care enterprise.
However you fund your care, you will need to sign a contract with the Micro Care provider. This will confirm the support you will receive and their terms and conditions. It is your responsibility to make sure you follow the contract.
Contact a Micro Care Provider
Search for a Micro Care provider (DEWIS link)
Call for help finding support: 01443 425003
Speak to your Care Manager or make an adults service enquiry
Raising Concerns
If something does not feel right, it is important to speak up. Most concerns can be resolved quickly through open and honest discussion.
If your concern relates to support you are receiving from a Micro Care provider, you should raise it with them directly in the first instance. In many cases, clear communication will resolve the issue.
If you remain unhappy, you can end your contract with the Micro Care provider in line with the notice period set out in your contract. If you have a care manager, they may be able to help you work through your concerns.
If you have an unresolved concern about safety or welfare, or a clear safeguarding concern, you should contact the local authority safeguarding team.
Real Stories