Using A Home Care Agency Vs. Hiring Directly

Remaining at home with the assistance of a caregiver is the preferred living arrangement for many seniors and others who need some help but wish to retain their independence. To find the right caregiver, most people turn to a full-service home care agency like Assisting Hands® which screens, hires, and trains its employees.

Families sometimes believe they will save some money by hiring a caregiver directly rather than working with an agency. When they hire someone directly, they become the employer and are fully responsible for their caregiver employee. There are important considerations that people should be aware of before making this important decision.

Benefits of Using a Home Care Agency

There are many benefits to hiring a home care agency, including:

  • A home care agency that employs caregivers is bonded, and insured and covers their employees under worker’s compensation. Independent (direct hire) caregivers who do not 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, costing 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 back-up 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.
  • If hiring directly, the client is the employer and is therefore 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, or has limited mobility, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. A quality home care agency trains and tests its caregivers, and can attest to their skill levels.
  • By law, the client (employer) is responsible for filing payroll taxes, and tax forms, and verifying that the employee can legally work in the U.S.

Award Winning Home Care

We are thrilled to be recognized as a Best of Home Care Provider of Choice and as a Best of Home Care Employer of Choice now for 6 years in a row! We’re also proud to be Top Rated on Caring.com for the past 4 years! We understand that you have options when choosing a home care provider. Instead of simply claiming that we are an excellent choice, we have PROOF.

Home Care Services Near You

Our home care services are available in Lexington, and the surrounding communities North and West of Boston – Click on one of our service areas below to learn more.

Don’t see your town?  Don’t worry, just contact us and we’d be happy to discuss your options! 

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