Home Care Agency Vs. Hiring Directly
For many seniors and others who need a little extra help, staying at home with the assistance of a caregiver is the preferred living arrangement. But finding the right caregiver can be a daunting task, which is why most people turn to a full-service home care agency like Assisting Hands. Agencies screen, hire, and train their employees, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of care.
While it may seem like hiring a caregiver directly could save money, it comes with significant risks:
- Independent caregivers are not insured, bonded, or covered by worker’s compensation, which means that if an accident or other incident occurs, the client could be held liable for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- If an independent caregiver calls off or doesn’t show up, the client is left without a backup plan.
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, has limited mobility, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. 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.
At our Lakeland home care agency, we provide peace of mind to clients and their families by understanding that saving money and using resources wisely is more important than ever. By working with a trusted full-service home care agency, clients can rest assured that their loved ones are receiving the highest level of care from trained, compassionate caregivers.
Contact us today to learn more!
