As consumers, the first question we tend to ask when purchasing goods or services is, “How much does it cost?” Perhaps a better question that would save us a lot of time and money is, “How much is it worth?”
When deciding whether to use the services of a home care agency or an independent caregiver, value trumps cost every time. Yes, independent caregivers cost less per hour than a home care agency, but is the value received comparable? Here are some things to consider when deciding which avenue to take:
- All of the caregivers who come from a home care agency are bonded, insured, and covered by workers’ compensation. However, independent caregivers don’t carry their own liability insurance or worker’s compensation. This makes you personally liable if the independent caregiver is injured or involved in another incident when at work for you. This can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
- If your independent caregiver can’t make it to work, who’s going to step in? A home care agency will provide you with a replacement if your regular caregiver can’t make it to work.
- Bonding provides you with theft protection. Independent caregivers can’t be bonded.
- An agency bears the responsibility for training, disciplinary action, and terminating the caregiver if it becomes necessary. Are you prepared to do that with your independent caregiver?
- How are you going to test the skill level of potential independent caregivers? A home care agency trains and tests their caregivers, which will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your loved one is being cared for by a qualified person.
- Legally, if you hire an independent caregiver, you are responsible for filing the appropriate tax forms and verifying that the individual can legally work in the U.S.
Choosing the Right Home Care Agency
If, after reading the above criteria, you decide that it’s in the best interest of your family to let a home care agency provide you with the level of care you want for your loved one, you’ll probably want to speak with a couple of agencies before settling on one.
In his 5-star rated book “Thriving at Home,” Dave Tasto has provided a resource that can help you choose the right home care agency. In Chapter 7, “How to Choose the Best Home Care Service,” he provides a beneficial list of questions that you can use as part of your selection criteria:
1.) What specific services do your home health aides offer?
2.) What eligibility requirements must a patient meet to qualify for your care services?
3.) What certifications do your caregivers have?
4.) How do you train and select employees?
5.) Do you perform background checks before hiring your staff?
6.) What are your fees? Are there additional ways to offset out-of-pocket costs?
7.) How long has your agency been providing home care? Can your agency meet my specific needs (languages, cultural preferences, etc.)?
8.) Do you include clients and family members when developing a plan of care?
9.) Whom can I call if I have questions or complaints?
10.) How do you resolve problems? What is the availability of your caregivers?
Thriving at Home also includes a handy list of what people should watch for if they, or a loved one, are at risk for COPD, diabetes, heart failure, and stroke. By having the latest information, they can thrive at home and prevent unnecessary trips to the hospital.
Put Assisting Hands Home Care of Lexington to the Test
Do you have more questions about choosing home care agency caregivers versus independent ones?
Assisting Hands Home Care, providing senior home care in Lexington MA, is happy to answer these questions and any others you may have. The more you learn about us, the more confident you’ll be having us help your family.
Call us today at (781) 315-6700. We’ll help your loved ones remain independent, safe, and comfortable in their own home.
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