Remaining at home with the assistance of a caregiver is preferred for many seniors. This is also the case for those who need some assistance, but wish to remain independent. To find the right caregiver, most turn to a full-service home care agency like Assisting Hands. Assisting Hands screens, hires, and trains its employees. Some families believe they will save money by hiring a caregiver directly instead of an agency. When hiring someone directly, they become the employer and are fully responsible for their caregiver employee. There are many differences between hiring a home care agency vs. hiring directly.
IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Important considerations to be aware of before choosing a home care agency vs. hiring directly include:
- Home care agencies that employ caregivers are bonded, insured, and cover their employees under worker’s compensation. Independent (direct hire) caregivers who don’t work for an agency do not carry their own liability insurance or worker’s compensation. If an accident or other incident occurs on the job, the employer (the client) would likely be responsible. This will cost the client hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.
- A home care agency will offer to provide a replacement if the caregiver cannot make it to work. If an independent caregiver calls off or doesn’t show up, the client will need a backup plan since there won’t be an agency involved to send a replacement.
- Independent caregivers cannot be bonded. Bonding provides theft protection for the client.
- When families hire directly, the client is the employer. This means they are responsible for training, disciplinary action and terminating the caregiver if necessary. If using a home care agency, the agency handles these responsibilities.
- If hiring a caregiver directly, the client needs to be able to assess the quality and skill level of the caregiver. This is especially important if the client requires hands-on personal care, has limited mobility, dementia or Alzheimer’s. A quality home care agency trains and tests their caregivers, and can attest to their skill level.
- By law, the client (employer) is responsible for filing payroll taxes, tax forms, and verifying that the employee can legally work in the U.S.
WHEN MAKING THE DECISION
When it comes to using a home care agency vs. hiring directly, the team at Assisting Hands understands. In today’s tight economic times, saving money and using resources wisely is very important. However, the client should carefully consider all of the risks when considering hiring directly.
ABOUT OUR SERVICES
Assisting Hands® Rockford can provide assistance in the privacy of their own home for you or a loved one. Our caregivers have training and experience in providing in-home care. They have passed extensive background checks, and are insured, bonded, and trained in CPR and First Aid. Assisting Hands® Rockford will help you select the best matched caregiver from its pre-screened group of available assistants. We can have qualified help placed in your home generally within 48 hours or less of the initial call.
