Independent caregivers may have higher pay and more freedom, but they also face challenges. Managing a caregiving business can be difficult, especially when you’re dealing with a chronic condition or the death of a loved one.
Agencies are often bonded and insured as companies, meaning they’re responsible for worker’s compensation, tax issues, and other employer responsibilities. This means that they can quickly send replacement caregivers when necessary.
Costs
Cost is a major factor for many families when choosing senior home care. Hourly rates vary depending on the type of services needed and may be affected by local market conditions, such as competition and availability.
Independent caregivers, or those hired directly by the family, often charge less than agency caregivers. However, the family must take on the responsibilities of being an employer including paying federal and state taxes, managing payroll and using a third-party service to manage caregiver wages.
Agencies are generally more expensive than independent caregivers, but they offer additional resources. Agencies have someone vetting caregivers, a registered nurse who can assess the quality of care and provide support if necessary, and staff to handle the administrative tasks. These additional benefits, in addition to the time savings and liability protections, are often worth the higher cost for families.
Flexibility
During the pandemic, employers have found innovative ways to support their caregiving employees. This flexibility allows caregivers to attend to family obligations and maintain their jobs while still having the freedom to take time off when necessary.
Companies can offer flexible work policies, such as letting workers clock in remotely, make announcements and track hours. They can also implement flexible training choices and staff scheduling, making it easier for caregivers to participate in learning opportunities while meeting their caring responsibilities.
Agencies provide a layer of flexibility in scheduling, which can protect families from unexpected situations. For example, if a caregiver calls out, the agency can schedule a backup and notify the family. This can help reduce frustration for both the caregiver and the family.
Reliability
The reliability available through caregivers agency may be one reason why some families choose to use them instead of hiring independent caregivers. Many agencies screen their employees and have policies to ensure high-quality care. Agencies also coordinate schedules, so last-minute cancellations do not leave a family without care for a long period of time.
Caregivers hired by an agency typically undergo a background check and are subject to periodic quality reviews. Additionally, most agencies carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
If you hire an independent caregiver, you will need to read resumes and conduct in-person interviews to find a good fit for your loved one’s needs. Additionally, you will need to verify your aide’s credentials and licenses. This can be a time-consuming process. A home healthcare agency can help you save time by screening and interviewing candidates on your behalf.
Trust
Exceptional agencies have policies and procedures that ensure high quality of care. They require background checks and drug screenings of employees. They also verify the qualifications of caregivers and provide training. They also make sure that schedules are coordinated so last-minute cancellations do not leave a trust beneficiary without care for a long period of time.
Finally, an exceptional agency will have a process in place for dispute resolution with clients and caregivers. This demonstrates that they view the relationship as more than just a transaction and that they value the work of family caregivers.
In addition, an exceptional agency will have insurance for their workers, including worker’s compensation and casualty. This is something that trustees should consider when employing a family member or non-family caregiver directly through the trust.
Peace of Mind
Caregivers provide peace of mind to loved ones and their families. They also help with errands and tasks around the house. These jobs can be physically demanding and emotionally draining. Providing benefits that support mental well being will contribute to employee retention.
A good caregiver agency will carefully vet their employees. In addition to conducting background checks, they will also check a potential caregiver’s credentials and experience. They will also provide back up caregivers if needed.
Many agencies offer a meet-and-greet and trial period to ensure a match between the client and caregiver. They will also provide administrative assistance, such as worker’s compensation and payroll taxes. Moreover, they will comply with consumer affairs regulations. This will give you confidence that the agency is legitimate.
