After deciding to hire a caregiver for an elderly loved one, you\u2019ll have a few more important decisions to make. The first decision you\u2019ll face is whether to hire a caregiver privately or enlist the help of a home care agency.<\/p>\n
To point you in the right direction, we\u2019ll help you understand the differences between using a home care agency or hiring a private caregiver and review the pros and cons of each service so you can weigh your options.<\/p>\n
No matter what your preference is, it\u2019s best to understand the types of issues that drive your choices. Let\u2019s look at the differences between home care agencies and private caregivers.<\/p>\n
A professional home care agency is a licensed business that recruits and hires caregivers to make them available for seniors who need in-home assistance. Caregivers may provide medical care or non-medical care, depending on the need.<\/p>\n
Medical care is provided by nurses or nursing assistants, whereas personal care can include meal preparation, feeding, bathing, grooming, etc. Personal caregivers have professional training.<\/p>\n
What is a private caregiver? Family members or seniors directly employ private caregivers without the assistance of a home care agency.<\/p>\n
Some independent caregivers are qualified to provide medical care, but they generally work for home care agencies. You\u2019ll likely encounter more personal caregivers when hiring independently.<\/p>\n
The main difference between home care agencies vs. private caregivers is that the hiring person becomes the caregiver\u2019s employer. As such, the employer is responsible for payroll and meeting other employer obligations such as workers\u2019 compensation insurance.<\/p>\n
One of the deciding factors for many people who need a caregiver is how much the services cost. Private caregivers typically cost less than hiring a caregiver<\/a> through an agency. However, you also have to consider the value you\u2019re getting for your money.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at the pros and cons of using a home care agency.<\/p>\n You only have to look at the pros and cons list to realize that there are a lot of benefits to working with a home care agency.<\/p>\n Beyond considering the costs you have to pay versus the value in what you\u2019re getting, perhaps the biggest deterrent of hiring a private caregiver is having to take on the role of an employer. Not everyone is willing or capable of dealing with the tax implications, worker\u2019s compensation insurance, and other responsibilities that employers have to contend with. As an employer, you also have to know the laws about hiring, firing, minimum hours, and pay.<\/p>\n Another big challenge in hiring private caregivers is that the caregiver may not have the skills your loved one needs now or in the future. What\u2019s more, if you need a nurse at a later date, one could be difficult to find without the help of an agency.<\/p>\n The reasons for choosing to work with a home care agency are simple. You won\u2019t have to hire a caregiver, check the person\u2019s qualifications, or take care of insurance or taxes. You can pick and choose the services your loved one needs at the exact time they need them.<\/p>\n Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. In the end, you have to do what\u2019s best for your family. If your needs are minor, a private caregiver might fit the bill. As your loved ones\u2019 needs increase, it may be appropriate to make the switch to a home care agency.<\/p>\n Our professionals at Good Hands Home Care are happy to help you assess your needs and explore all the possibilities. If a professionally trained home care agency caregiver in Pennsylvania is right for you, call Good Hands Home Care at 610-285-1095<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" After deciding to hire a caregiver for an elderly loved one, you\u2019ll have a few more important decisions to make. The first decision you\u2019ll face is whether to hire a caregiver privately or enlist the help of a home care agency. To point you in the right direction, we\u2019ll help you understand the differences between … Continue reading PROs<\/h3>\n
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Is It Better to Work with a Home Care Agency or Hire a Private Caregiver?<\/h2>\n
Why Choose an Agency?<\/h2>\n