Whether your loved ones live in Collin, Denton, Dallas County TX, staying at home with the help of a caregiver is most likely their preferred living situation. Finding the right caregiver for many seniors and others who need assistance but want to maintain their independence means turning to a full-service home care agency like Assisting Hands. Assisting Hands employs, screens, and trains its employees. Families may believe that hiring a caregiver directly rather than through an agency will save them money. They become the employer and are fully responsible for their caregiver employee when they hire someone directly. Before making such an important decision, people should be aware of several important factors:
If the caregiver is unable to attend work, a home care agency will offer to provide a replacement. If an independent caregiver cancels or fails to show up, the client will need a backup plan because there will be no agency to send a replacement.- According to the law, the client (employer) is responsible for filing payroll taxes, tax forms, and ensuring that the employee is legally permitted to work in the United States.
- When hiring a caregiver directly, the client must be able to assess the caregiver’s quality and skill level. This is especially true if the client requires hands-on personal care, has limited mobility due to a disability or Parkinson’s disease, or has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A good home care agency trains and tests their caregivers and can vouch for their abilities.
- Independent caregivers are unable to be bonded. Bonding protects the client against theft.
- The client is the employer when hiring directly. As a result, the client is responsible for training, disciplinary action, and, if necessary, terminating the caregiver. If you use a home care agency, the agency will handle these responsibilities for you.
- A home care agency that employs caregivers is bonded, insured, and provides worker’s compensation coverage to their employees. Independent (direct hire) caregivers who do not work for a company do not have their own liability or worker’s compensation insurance. On the job, an accident or other incident can occur. In this case, the employer (the client) would almost certainly be held liable, potentially costing the client hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The Assisting Hands team understands that in these difficult economic times, saving money and using resources wisely is more important than ever. The client should, however, carefully consider the risks of hiring a caregiver directly rather than working with a home care agency.
