Families who have decided that their loved one needs home care services often come to this crossroads. Should they contact a home care agency or a private caregiver? While both of these options can deliver care in the comfort of your loved one’s home, one option might meet their needs better than the other.
You should consult with your family and loved one to decide what health care provider is the right fit. To help you decide, we have detailed the major differences between home care agencies and private caregivers below:
Home Care Agencies
Home care agencies, like Superior Senior Home Care, are often Medicare-certified and provide care to patients in their homes. While services may vary, agencies typically offer skilled nursing and personal care. If you select a home care agency to provide care for your loved one, here is what you can expect.
1.Your Loved One Will Be Matched With a Compatible Caregiver
Home care agencies will work with your loved one to match them with a compatible caregiver. Since your loved one will be spending time with their caregiver, it is important that they get along on a personal level.
2.Caregivers Are Certified and Have Passed Background Checks
Before caregivers are hired, home care agencies make sure they have been given thorough background checks. Agencies also verify staff credentials, credibility, reputation, and often provide additional training before caregivers are matched with patients. Home care agencies like, Superior Senior Home Care, train their staff to handle the nuances of care.
3.Care Is Available 24/7
If you use an agency to provide care for your loved one, you will have a team of caregivers within reach. A home care agency will make sure a caregiver is ready to help out any time of day. A team approach helps to ensure your loved one gets the care they need when they need it and prevents caregiver burnout.
4.The Cost of Care Reflects Additional Resources
While not as expensive as a nursing home or assisted living facility, hiring help from a home care agency does cost more than a private caregiver. When you choose an agency, you are also paying for the measures used to ensure your loved one’s safety. Including the recruiting, hiring, training, and screening of caregivers. Often, agencies will assist you with the billing process and accept long-term care insurance.
5.The Agency Handles All Taxes and Insurance
Home care agencies are required to handle payroll taxes and provide professional liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. If the caregiver gets injured on the job, the worker’s compensation insurance will provide for the caregiver’s recovery. In case the caregiver accidentally damages a valuable household item, liability insurance will cover the cost of repair. Families are given peace of mind knowing that all payroll taxes and insurance are covered by the agency. Allowing them to focus on spending time with their family.
Private Caregivers
A private caregiver, also known as a non-certified aide, offers personal care services. Such as housekeeping, meal preparation, and companionship. These types of caregivers often work as private-duty hires for families. If you select a private caregiver to provide care for your loved one, here is what you can expect.
1.The Client Is Responsible for Hiring Care
You are in charge of the hiring process when selecting a private caregiver. Families will often place an ad online or use a friend’s recommendation to find a private caregiver. While some families enjoy this process and feel in control when hiring a private caregiver, others feel overwhelmed by the hiring and interviewing process.
2.The Client Is Responsible for Background Checks
After finding and interviewing potential caregivers, the client is then responsible for checking references and completing background checks. Some qualifications to look for include CPR training, first aid training, and any additional certification courses for health care services. Screening potential private caregivers can be a long and thorough process.
3.Additional Care May Be Required
A private caregiver does not have additional staff to substitute for them. If the private caregiver cannot make an appointment, the client will be in charge of finding a replacement. For those who need 24/7 care, using a private caregiver might not be an ideal arrangement.
4.Care Is Less Expensive
Hiring a private caregiver is usually the most economical choice for families. However, since services are privately paid for, they are not reimbursable under Medicare and private health insurance. Some types of long-term care insurance might help cover the cost of care, so it’s a good idea to consult your insurance carrier.
5.The Client is Responsible for Taxes and Insurance
Directly hiring a private caregiver, you are responsible for paying all payroll taxes and reporting their income to the IRS. You are also liable if the private caregiver is injured on the job. The additional paperwork and responsibility that comes with hiring a private caregiver can be overwhelming for families and potentially costly if an accident occurs or paperwork is not filed correctly.
Superior Senior Home Care, the senior care San Luis Obispo families trust, offers a complimentary consultation with an advisor to help you determine your loved one’s home care needs. To schedule your free consultation, call 805.430.8767 or contact us online.
