Using A Home Care Agency Vs. Hiring Directly
Nowadays you have a lot of options when searching for a home care aide. There are hundreds of websites advertising caregivers, a handful of agencies right in your backyard, and probably a few friends that know someone who can help you directly. How do you decide whom to trust with your loved one? Take a look at our comparison chart for hiring through an agency and hiring directly.
Background Checks and Screening
Agencies licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health MUST complete a thorough screening process before anyone can be sent to your home. This includes a criminal screening, registry in the Health Care Worker Background Check, and fingerprinting.
Health Certificate
Home care agencies go through a lengthy and rigorous application process through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Licensed agencies are monitored through IDPH visits, at which time policies, procedures, and caregiver files are examined to make sure agencies uphold the greatest integrity in servicing families with home care aides.
Insurance
Assisting Hands of Arlington Heights caries several types of insurance to protect families and caregivers. These include general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, and unemployment insurance. Caregivers are directly employed through Assisting Hands Home Care so families do not hold the responsibility for protection against these hiring risks. If you choose to hire directly, purchasing the appropriate insurance on your own can be time consuming and costly. Back strains and slip-and falls are common in home care work and you will become liable should these injuries occur in your home.
Caregiver Training, Supervision, and Discipline
All caregivers receive 8 hours of training with the owner and/or nurse on staff at Assisting Hands within the first 30 days of hire. Caregivers are also supervised through unannounced visits to your home. An agency will find an immediate replacement should the caregiver become ill or fail to meet your expectations.
Cost
Hiring directly will save you money up front; however you carry the responsibility for this employee. The IRS requires that you pay Social Security and unemployment taxes on the wages paid to your home care worker. Failure to do so can result in penalty fees up to $100,000 and possible criminal charges. If the caregiver is sick, finding a replacement can cost days off work, and worst-case scenario, there is no protection should theft or injury occur. The added services of screening, hiring, nurse supervisory visits, insurance, employment taxes, etc., are what you pay extra for when going through an agency.
Concierge of Services
The owner and staff of Assisting Hands in Arlington Heights have a passion for helping those in our community. We can help coordinate doctors’ visits, medication pick-up, coordination of care, or recommend local resources to help you live safely and comfortably in your own home.
