VISITING ANGELS PUNTA GORDA, FL 941-347-8288
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Four Reasons to Choose an In-Home Care Agency Over a Private Caregiver

When it comes to senior care, the options really are endless. From moving to a continuing care senior community to receiving help from a family or friend, there are many ways a senior can choose to receive the help they need. While some seniors choose to move to a senior living community, most seniors are choosing to age in place. They prefer to spend their retirement years in the comfort of their own home, where they are well-established in their community. With this in mind, many in-home care companies have opened their doors in hopes of helping seniors remain safely and independently at home. In addition to in-home care agencies, there are also private caregivers who are readily available to step in where help is needed.

A group of people putting together a jigsaw puzzleJust as more and more senior living communities and senior in-home care agencies have been popping up over the last decade, private caregivers have entered the senior care realm. Private caregivers are often found by doing a quick internet search for senior care. There are websites that help connect seniors directly to caregivers. Even social media is jumping onboard this need for senior care; communities create specialized groups where seniors and their families can find a caregiver, similarly to that of a babysitter network group. With so many ways to find a private caregiver, many seniors ask why should they bother to use a senior in-home care agency? Isn’t it easier to hire a private caregiver? If you’re in need for a little help at home and are considering your options, here are four reasons why you should choose an in-home care agency over a private caregiver.

In-Home Care Agency Caregivers are Well-Vetted

When faced with the decision to bring a caregiver into your home to provide assistance, you’re essentially allowing a stranger to enter your home. While it’s true that over time, seniors with caregivers find that their caregiver becomes an extension to their family, initially the caregiver is an outsider. When you choose to receive help through an in-home care agency, you know that the caregivers they hire are well-vetted. They do background checks. They look for candidates who have a passion for the elderly. They choose to hire staff that are compassionate, reliable, and knowledgeable. Some in-home care agencies even work with new clients to match the client with a compatible caregiver, so that their companionship starts off on the right foot from the very beginning. Although there are wonderful private caregivers that you can read about on care websites or social media groups, you just never know who you’re going to get when you don’t work with an in-home care agency. Trusting someone with your daily care needs is a big task to ask of a senior. It’s safer to find a caregiver through an in-home care agency, where you know the agency has well-vetted their staff.

Greater Flexibility with In-Home Care Agencies

In-home care agencies offer a wider variety of in-home senior care services, as well as have the flexibility to work with your personal routine and schedule. As changes come up with your personal life, or as your needs change over time, an in-home care agency can adapt your care schedule so that your needs are met consistently. Trying to find help through the private caregiver route can be a challenge, especially when there’s a last-minute change or your needs change down the road. Most in-home care agencies can adjust to your schedule with little notice. A private caregiver might not be able to do so as quickly.

In-Home Care Agency Caregivers are Supported

Another advantage to choosing an in-home care agency for your senior care needs is that the caregivers that work through an agency are well supported. In addition to being monitored closely by the company, they also receive ongoing care training so that they can continue to provide the best possible care. If a situation arises where the caregiver doesn’t know what to do, they can call their supervisor and seek the help and guidance they need. A private caregiver often does not have the support of a supervisor. They do not need to meet ongoing training requirements, or if they do, the requirements are minimal. They have little to no support on the job. Whereas in-home care agencies pour into their caregivers. They recognize that their company relies heavily on the job performance of their caregivers and they highly value their caregivers.

In-Home Care Agencies are Bonded, Licensed & Insured

Finally, in-home care agencies are licensed in all the states that require licensing. This means that they need to meet certain governmentally regulated requirements in order to provide hands-on care. They are surveyed regularly by the state, so that they stay in compliance with the state’s regulations. In-home care agencies are also bonded and insured. This gives seniors and families the peace of mind that a trustworthy caregiver will be in their home. Private caregivers don’t necessarily need to meet certain licensure or regulations. Some even accept payment “under the table.” Again, there are well-qualified private caregivers who are compassionate and trustworthy, but you just don’t know who you’re going to get when you choose a private caregiver at random.

Visiting Angels Punta Gorda strives to make staying at home a positive experience for our senior clients. We do this by allowing you to maintain your own schedule. We work with each of our clients to create a customized plan of care that can change as needed. We then match you with one of our highly trained, compassionate caregivers, according to your preferences and personality. All Visiting Angels senior home care agencies are bonded and insures. We regularly monitor our caregivers so that you can rest assured that you are receiving the best possible care. To learn more about us and the services we provide, please contact us today by calling 941-347-8288 Punta Gorda or 239-226-1620 Cape Coral.

Serving Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels PUNTA GORDA, FL
25166 Marion Ave #114
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-347-8288
A Florida employee based Home Health Agency, FL Lic # 299994657

Serving Punta Gorda, North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Arcadia and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels PUNTA GORDA, FL
25166 Marion Ave #114
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941-347-8288
A Florida employee based Home Health Agency, FL Lic # 299994657