What to choose for taking care of your loved ones- Home Care Agencies or Private Caregivers?

by Shahbaz Khan Rediance Home Healthcare

Families who have decided that their elder loved one requires home care services often come to this crossroad: should they contact a home health care agency or a private caregiver? Although 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 for their situation. To help you decide, we have detailed the key differences between home care agencies and private caregivers below:

1. Home Care Agencies

Home care agencies 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:

Your loved one will be coordinated with a well-matched 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.

Caregivers are certified and have passed background checks:

Before a caregiver is hired, agencies make sure they have been given thorough background checks. They also verify staff credentials, credibility, reputation, and often provide additional training before caregivers are matched with patients.

Care is available round the clock:

If you will use an agency to provide care for your loved one, you will have a team of caregivers within reach. An agency will make sure a caregiver is ready to help out whether your loved one needs care during the evenings, holidays, or around-the-clock.

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 a bit 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. Often, agencies will also assist you with the billing process and accept long-term care insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid to help cover the cost of care.

The agency handles all taxes and insurance:

Home care agencies handle payroll taxes and provide professional liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance for their employees. Often, 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 like senior home healthcare 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:

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 near their loved one. While some families enjoy this process and feel in control when hiring a private caregiver, others feel overwhelmed by the hiring and interviewing process.

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. For example, some of the 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, and some families may find it difficult.

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.

Care is less expensive and not covered in Insurance:

Hiring a private caregiver is typically 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.

The Client is Responsible for Taxes and Insurance:

If you directly hire a private caregiver, you are responsible for paying all payroll taxes and reporting their income to the IRS to comply with the law. You are also legally responsible if the private caregiver is injured on the job. The additional paperwork and responsibility that comes with hiring a private caregiver can be frustrating for families and potentially costly if an accident occurs or paperwork is not filed correctly.

Comparison between home care agencies & private caregivers

Regardless of what option you select for caring your loved one, you should select the one that is right for your loved one. If you are interested in learning more, and searching for “elderly home care near me” Radiance home care can offer a helping hand. We will work with you to develop a plan of care to help your loved one remain independent in the home that they love. Contact us today to begin your care journey.