Private Caregivers vs Agency?

As we age, it sometimes gets difficult to do things that once came easily to us. Basic tasks like cooking, cleaning, and keeping up with housework can become daunting, especially when you have a medical condition. But luckily, a professional caregiver can help seniors continue to live independently! When it comes to choosing a professional caregiver, there are a lot of options out there. Of course, you want to pick what's right for you or a loved one, so it's important to be informed. Let's take a closer look at the professional caregiving options available to you: private caregivers or an agency.

What Is a Professional Caregiver?

Before we look at the types of professional caregivers available, it's essential to define what exactly makes someone a professional caregiver. A professional caregiver has made a career of helping other people live independently in the face of obstacles that may otherwise prohibit their independence. For example, a client may have lost mobility due to an injury or accident. A professional caregiver helps this person with tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating, and also provides companionship.

Professional caregivers have an important job. They strive to keep their clients safe, healthy, and happy. This means that seniors can stay in their homes longer without having to rely on family members for help.

Should You Choose Private Caregivers or an Agency?

When you're looking for a professional caregiver, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to choose a private caregiver or a caregiver from an agency. Here's some more information about each option.

A private caregiver is employed directly by the family of the person who needs care. That family becomes the employer for the caregiver and pays the caregiver directly (or hires a payroll management company to handle billing). In addition, you'll need to do a background check, ask for references, and screen the caregiver for drugs. Some private caregivers provide medical care if they are certified to do so, but it's much more likely that they provide non-medical, personal care.

An agency, on the other hand, can provide you with a trained, vetted caregiver. The agency, which handles payroll and scheduling, directly hires a caregiver. If your caregiver needs to take a day off or decides to quit, you won't be scrambling to find a replacement, as the agency will provide one.

So which is right for your needs? While it's true that hiring a private caregiver can often be significantly less expensive than hiring an agency, it can sometimes be more difficult to verify a private caregiver's background. With private caregivers, you don't have a much-needed safety net. If your needs change, they may not be qualified to take on extra duties. It's essential to weigh all the pros and cons, and not just go with the cheapest option.

Why an Agency Is a Great Choice

If hesitant about hiring a professional caregiver through an agency, here's what you need to know:

• Scheduling is taken care of - If your caregiver needs to take a personal day, an agency can assign another caregiver so you're never in a pinch.
• Caregivers are trained - A reputable agency will provide training opportunities for caregivers that are tied to state requirements. This means agency caregivers will always know the latest best practices.
• Don't worry about hiring or firing - You don't have to search for someone to hire on your own, and if things don't work out, you don't have to dismiss them. This is all taken care of for you.
• Credentials are verified - An agency performs background checks on the caregivers they hire, so you know that their background and experience is real and legitimate.

Learn More About Private Caregivers vs an Agency

The biggest advantage of hiring a caregiver through an agency, though, is peace of mind. You know that you're hiring a trained professional, and agencies have practices in place if something goes wrong. And if your needs change, an agency can adjust schedules or assign a caregiver with a different skill set. Rest assured that your loved one is safe in the hands of a professional caregiver.