Home Care Agencies Versus Nurse Registries: Know the Difference

As you search for professional, quality care for your senior loved one, you’ll come across many different types of agencies and services. One important thing to keep in mind is that some providers are Home Care Agencies, while others are Nurse Registries. There are big differences between the two, and you will want to know these as you are selecting the best fit for your senior loved one. Here are some things to keep in mind.

You Are Part of a Team

When you hire a Home Care Agency, you become part of a team that has the best interest of the client at the forefront. Not only that, but your trusted caregiver is part of a team that is supporting them behind the scenes. A caregiver with a Home Care Agency receives professional and comprehensive in-house training, ensuring they are qualified to be the best caregiver for your loved one. In addition to caregiver training, they also get case-specific training. That means when your caregiver takes you on as a client, they are fully knowledgeable in your needs, and in how to care for those specific needs. If your care needs change as your senior loved one goes through changes, every step is taken to ensure that your caregiver has the specific training you need. For example, if your loved one needs more help as they age or become ill, your caregivers will have the skills to ensure their health, happiness and safety. When your senior is going through changes, it is important to have a caregiver who can stay with them because they will feel more comfortable knowing the person they trust and who knows their needs.

A Perfect Match

Unlike Nurse Registries, which often randomly assign caregivers to clients, Home Care Agencies match caregivers with clients based on a number of different things. Before assigning the most qualified and compassionate caregiver to your senior loved one, our agency will ensure that the caregiver has the exact skill set needed to care for him or her. We match providers with clients based on their personalities, skill sets, and needs. We do not assign providers at random. It is important to us that the match is a good one and that both parties are comfortable with and happy with it. Having a well-matched pair of a provider and client is a key to success, and ensuring your senior thrives with their home care services.

Peace of Mind

With a Home Care Agency, seniors and their families can feel confident that their caregivers have been thoroughly screened. All of our caregivers undergo two levels of background checks to ensure they are qualified, have the right demeanor, and will provide the best possible care for your elderly loved one every day.

Employee Benefits

Happy employees make great providers. As you hire caregivers, it is important to know that they are well-treated by their agency. Home Care Agencies handle their employees differently than nurse registries. With a Home Care Agency, the caregivers are employees of that specific agency. They are paid as employees with W2s rather than being independent contractors. The agency is loyal to them and cares about their well-being. We treat them as a part of the family.

Home Care Agencies offer their employees many benefits that make them feel valued. Additionally, many home care agencies offer their employees 401K plans, supplemental insurance, and bonuses. Employees also receive Workers Comp and Liability Insurance.

We Can Help

If you are looking for a home care solution for your senior loved one, Visiting Angels Punta Gorda can help. Our experts will walk you through everything you can expect from your professional home care team. Our in-home caregivers provide a variety of home care services, from helping seniors get ready each morning to helping them live safely in the home they’ve known and loved for years. Our caregivers can also help with specialty care, including fall prevention and dementia care.

Our professionally-trained team of caregivers serves clients in Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and surrounding areas. To use our services or to learn more, call us at 941-347-8288 or fill out an online form here.