Hiring a Private Caregiver vs A Home Care Agency
As time goes on, it’s possible that our bodies just won’t cooperate the same way that they used to. We’re only human, and there’s no shame in asking for a little help from time to time. For you or your parent, some sort of assistance in their later years might be necessary. Using a private caregiver or an agency will ease the burden of everyday tasks that just might have become too tough. With a little assistance, this can make your next stage in life one filled with rest and relaxation. Choosing between a private caregiver and a Home Care Agency is an important decision. While both have a variety of benefits, it’s important to map out the exact kind of assistance you’re looking for.
Ease and Time Management
Private Caregiver
Private caregiving might be a little more time consuming. Instead of having an agency find the right fit to assist you or your parent, you instead will be in charge of the hiring process. Background checks, interviews, and searching for potential candidates can take up quite a lot of time if you’re not familiar with this process. It is, however, the most thorough process, so if time is not an issue, carefully choosing a private caregiver might help in the long run.
Home Care Agency
An agency speeds up the selection process of choosing the correct type of assistance for you or your parent. This will ease the burden of having to go through the selection yourself. Depending on the size of the agency, you may, however, have to wait a while until the home care agency finds a room for you or your loved one.
Cost of Home Care
Private Caregiver
Private caregiving is almost always the cheapest option. Since you will not have to pay for room and board, you will only have to pay the caregiver. Private caregivers also usually charge cheaper rates because they do not have to pay money to their agency. However, since you are now their employer, you will need to be adept in tax filings, benefits, and pay roll.
Home Care Agency
This will usually be more expensive because you’ll be paying for expenses such as room and board, meal plans, and healthcare. The agency does take care of things like employee insurance, tax filing, and billing – all things you would have to do if hiring a private caregiver.
Availability of Home Care
Private Caregiver
The nice thing about private caregivers is that they’re usually very flexible. They’ll be able to work with your schedule so you can get the most out of their services. It can, however, be tough to find a private caregiver. Many are opting to work with an agency because of the financial stability and set hours. Don’t get discouraged, though, there are still private caregivers out there waiting to help you or your loved one enjoy the next stage in life.
Home Care Agency
If we’re talking about the availability of staff members at the facility, you’re in luck. Most facilities will have a relatively large staff, dedicated to tending to any issues you might have. The issue many run into with availability is that there just aren’t enough rooms available. It can often take weeks or even a month or two before you or your loved one can finally move into their desired living arrangement.
Liability of Home Care
Private Caregiver
Along with having to take care of tax forms and payroll, you are also responsible for any work-related injuries your private caregiver might suffer from. These incidents can sometimes get ugly and become very costly. Taking out liability insurance would be yet another expense and burden you’d need to bare.
Home Care Agency
Home care agencies cover a variety of insurances for both employees and their clients. Liability insurance and workers compensation covers any issues employees might encounter, and clients are insured to prevent against any theft or property damage.
