Should I Hire an Independent Caregiver or Home Care Agency to Care for My Senior Loved One?
When someone you love needs help to stay safely and comfortably at home, finding the right person can be a challenge. Even though the benefits of having assistance are clear, the idea of inviting a stranger into your home understandably makes many people feel uncomfortable. Add to that the challenge of finding a suitable one on one caregiver, and it can seem easier to take care of everything on your own.
It doesn’t have to be impossible to find the help you need. For most people, there are really two options for finding an in-home care provider: either hire a home care agency, such as Visiting Angels Newton/Canton or hire a private independent caregiver.
Hiring an Independent Caregiver
Hiring an independent caregiver may seem more affordable than a home care agency at first glance. However, you may want to consider employment laws and regulations since in-home care is deemed an employer-employee relationship. As such, you are responsible for federal and state employment taxes, which can swiftly escalate the cost above a simple hourly rate. You may also need to carry special insurance to protect yourself in the event of an accident – a simple homeowner’s policy is probably not enough. Information on federal employment tax requirements can be found in Publication 926 from the IRS. For state requirements, contact the appropriate state office. A listing is available at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/contacts.
In addition, you will need to have a fully-developed job description and employment agreement. You should conduct a thorough review of any private caregiver’s background. Ensure that the candidate meets any state licensing requirements to provide “hands-on” care. Private caregivers will need to complete appropriate tax forms. For more information, Publication 926 can be downloaded at www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html.
Benefits of Home Care Agencies
Most people find that choosing a home care agency is the better option. Both in terms of managing the in-home caregiver and the peace of mind an agency can provide, as an established, reputable home care agency removes that burden from you.
The significant benefits of using a home care agency include:
Background Checks of Caregivers
Agencies such as Visiting Angels Newton/Canton will screen caregivers and conduct background checks. This will save you the trouble of doing a comprehensive background investigation. You can be assured that the caregiver you choose is trustworthy and qualified for the job. And don’t worry, if you are dissatisfied with your caregiver for any reason, Visiting Angels Newton/Canton is happy to bring in another caregiver better suited to your needs.
Some agencies may also require certain safety precautions for their caregivers, such as CPR certifications and proof of immunizations.
Specialized In-Home Care Training
Many home care agencies hire certified Home Health Aides (HHA) or Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) as caregivers. They may also provide additional training for their staff in specialty areas like in-home dementia care and Alzheimer’s care, use of Hoyer lifts and other transfer equipment, and emotional support and companionship skills. In addition, they may have special programs for fall prevention, hospital release, social care, and others. Be sure to ask about the specialized training offered to their caregivers.
Bonded, Licensed, and Insured In-Home Care
Home care agencies are bonded, licensed, and insured. Responsible agencies should assume liability for all care provided and be insured if a caregiver is injured in your home. Keep in mind that should you choose to hire an independent caregiver, as the employer, you will be responsible for the liability risk of both the caregiver and the care recipient.
Independent caregivers cannot be bonded. Bonding provides theft protection for the client. Suppose an agency caregiver is accused of stealing or some other infraction. In that case, agencies typically have a process for communicating with authorities, suspending the caregiver during an investigation, and reporting the incident to the state’s overseeing board.
In-Home Care Quality Service Assurance
To ensure the best quality service, home care agencies use great care in hiring caregivers. For example, Visiting Angels Newton/Canton hire caregivers specifically for their empathy, judgment, technical skills, insight, communication skills, likability, character, reliability, and knowledge.
Visiting Angels Newton/Canton will also match the personality traits of the caregiver and the care recipient, followed by a trial period to ensure a good fit. In addition, Visiting Angels Newton/Canton creates care plans that are individualized to the care recipient. They are also likely to be able to accommodate schedules that may be inconsistent or unpredictable at times.
Home care agencies monitor and supervise their caregivers to ensure quality care. They want to be assured that they provide the highest level of care possible and should have programs in place for supervising and checking in on their caregivers when you are not present. If your current caregiver is not meeting your needs for any reason, the agency will provide a replacement.
Home care agencies have policies to handle the reporting of abuse or neglect problems, should they occur.
Proper HR, Payroll & Benefits for Your Senior’s Caregiver
Home care agencies take responsibility for your caregiver’s payroll and benefits. If you hire a caregiver through an agency, they are the individual’s employer, not you. That means you don’t have to be concerned with keeping track of their pay schedule, benefits, vacation days, or paying taxes for them.
Fill-In or Backup Caregiver When Needed
A home care agency such as Visiting Angels Newton/Canton will also have programs in place to provide you with a fill-in caregiver should your caregiver need to take a sick day. They will also ensure the fill-in caregiver has the skills to meet the needs of the care recipient.
Choosing the right home care provider is a difficult decision and you want the best for your loved one. A high quality home care agency will make that decision easier and assure your loved one gets the best care at home.
About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton
Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning home care agency that has been providing high-caliber in-home care services for seniors and people with disabilities for over seventeen years. Countless families have benefited from our at-home care, senior companion support, in-home respite care, live-in and 24-hour home care, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, transitional aid, and private duty care services in Natick, Wellesley, Dedham, Needham, Stoughton, Brookline, Canton, Watertown, Jamaica Plain, Newton, Norwood, Roslindale, Upper Back Bay, Westwood, and neighboring communities. The non-medical assistance provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton home care can make a significant impact on your loved one’s happiness and quality of life.
If you are interested in more information about how in-home care can help your senior loved ones, contact us today at 617-795-2727 to schedule a free in-home consultation.