Making the right Decision
It is extremely important to evaluate facts when making the decision to hire a caregiver through a homecare services provider versus direct or registry. Here are some of the factors to consider:
Benefits Comparison Between In-Home Care Services Provider/Registry/Private Caregiver
| In-Home Care Services Provider (Agency) | Registry | Private Hire Caregiver | |
| Background checks | Provides all background checks & criminal history investigation | Varies. Most provide some form of background check & employment verification | Must be done by family. Most families do not have access to criminal history information & must depend on caregiver to provide it. Family must do all reference checks. |
| Training | Provides on-going training for all caregivers. | Varies. Most registries do not provide training. Many depend on experience of the caregiver and/or CNA certification. | Varies. Most private caregivers focus on their work and less on their professional training. Some may have had CNA or HHA classes in the past. |
| On-site supervision | Provides on-site supervision with periodic visits by qualified supervisor. Visits may be scheduled or unscheduled (surprise visits). | None. | None. |
| Payroll taxes | Provides for all employer/employee tax withholding and reporting. | None. Family is responsible for all payroll tax withholding & reporting. | None. Family is responsible for all payroll tax withholding & reporting. |
| Substitution | Assures smooth substitution should the caregiver be ill or should the family wish to change caregivers. | None. | None. |
| Insurance & Bonding | All caregivers are fully insured & bonded. | None. | None. |
| Cost* | Range: $18 – 26/hour | Hourly rate is usually that of the private caregiver plus a “finder’s fee” to be paid to the registry. | Range: $13 – $21/hour |
*Actual rates vary by provider.
QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Home care choices can be difficult and we realized there are several options available to you. It is recommended that you ask the following questions of your prospective home care providers including:
- How do you recruit your caregivers?
- Should a scheduling conflict occur, are there trained back-up caregivers?
- Are your caregivers bonded and insured?
- Are the caregivers employees of the provider and who handles payroll and required taxes for the caregiver?
- What type of background checks and screenings do you do?
If you need help to make the decision, call us @ 919-373-2273