When considering at-home care for yourself or a loved one, many may find that there are two primary options to choose from - an independent caregiver vs home care agency. While testimonials from clients of independent caregivers may be encouraging and provide promises of great at-home care, it's important to recognize that there are significant differences between these two types of in-home care, as well as risks. Choosing between a private caregiver vs home care agency is an important decision as you or your loved ones' care is dependent upon them. Therefore, gathering all the information available is essential to ensure you make the best choice for your or your loved one's care needs. 

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Private Caregiver and Home Care Agency Services

Most people seeking in-home care are looking for assistance with daily living activities, which play a very important role in maintaining health and happiness. In-home care focuses on helping with everyday personal tasks, also known as activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Caregivers, whether they are private or employed by an agency, provide assistance with tasks such as: 

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Eating

• Transferring from a bed or chair

• Housework

• Managing medication

• Running errands

• Meal preparation

Choosing between a private caregiver and a home care agency to provide this kind of support is an important decision. To ensure the best outcome, it’s essential to understand both the benefits and risks of each option before making a choice. 

What Is A Private Caregiver

An independent or private caregiver is hired directly by the family, without the involvement of a home care agency, which typically connects families with caregivers. This means there is no intermediary between the person receiving in-home care and the independent caregiver, placing the family in the role of their employer. When families hire an independent or private caregiver, they are responsible for managing various employment tasks, such as payroll, or they may choose to use a third-party payroll management service. 

Essentially, when you hire an independent caregiver vs a home care agency, you are the only person employing the caregiver, and they do not answer to an agency or other employer while providing you or your loved one care at home. For those considering a private caregiver, it’s important to handle employment matters legally and transparently to avoid breaking the law and facing tax complications, as well as to make the most of any available financial advantages.

Why Do People Choose An Independent Caregiver VS Home Care Agency?

One of the main reasons people choose a private caregiver over a home care agency is because of the overall cost. Hiring an independent caregiver can be less expensive than hiring through an agency, making it a more affordable option for many families. This cost-saving advantage can be especially appealing to those on a fixed income or with limited financial resources. However, it’s important to weigh these savings against potential risks and responsibilities that come with hiring privately.

Risks of Hiring a Private Caregiver

While hiring an independent caregiver can sometimes reduce the overall cost of home care for you or your loved one, there are several risks that come with being the employer that may outweigh any potential savings. It’s important to understand the risks of hiring a private caregiver before making a decision on whether to go with an independent caregiver vs home care agency. 

No Backup When A Caregiver Is Unavailable

Hiring an independent caregiver can pose a risk for families due to the lack of backup or coverage when the caregiver is unavailable or calls out of work. If the caregiver becomes sick, goes on vacation, can’t find child care, or simply doesn't show up, there is no immediate replacement. This inconvenience can leave a family scrambling to find alternative care for the time the independent caregiver is unable to return to work. However, a home care agency typically has a team of caregivers on hand to provide backup coverage when a caregiver is unable to attend work, ensuring that care is not interrupted and the family's needs are consistently met. This added reliability is one of the key advantages of choosing a home care agency over an independent caregiver.

Proper Vetting Of A Caregiver 

Hiring an independent caregiver comes with certain risks, primarily because there is no formal hiring process or oversight to ensure the caregiver’s qualifications or the safety of the client. Unlike home care agencies, which typically conduct background checks, verify certifications or licenses, and provide insurance coverage, families hiring private caregivers must take on these responsibilities themselves to ensure their or their loved ones' safety. This also means that there may be no guarantee the independent caregiver has undergone proper vetting. Families must be diligent in checking past job references and confirming the caregiver's credentials and past to reduce the risk of any issues related to the safety of themselves or their loved ones or the quality of care provided. 

Agencies Provide Peace Of Mind

Hiring an independent caregiver can pose risks for families, and may not provide the peace of mind that comes with hiring a caregiver through an at-home agency. Unlike working with a home care agency, families who hire private caregivers must handle any challenges that arise, such as finding a replacement if the caregiver is unavailable or doesn’t meet the care expectations you have put in place. With an agency, these concerns are all handled for you. If you’re unhappy with a caregiver, you can simply request a new one from the agency, and agencies are also better equipped to manage and handle any reported misconduct. This is especially important for those who live far away from their elderly loved ones, as an agency provides the reliability and support needed to ensure continuous, quality care without the family having to step in or find a backup caregiver. 

Benefits Of Hiring A Caregiver Through An At-Home Agency

Hiring a caregiver in Denver through a home care agency, such as Visiting Angels, offers numerous benefits for both individuals in need of care and their families who deeply care for them. With a trusted home care agency at your disposal, families can feel confident that their loved ones are receiving trusted and reliable assistance that is tailored to their specific needs, providing peace of mind and support during what can often be a challenging time. Here are some of the main benefits of hiring a caregiver through an at-home agency. 

• Screening and Background Checks - Home care agencies, such as Visiting Angels in Denver, CO, thoroughly vet and conduct background checks on all caregivers to ensure they are qualified and safe to provide care. This provides families with the peace of mind that their loved ones are safe, and their care rests in capable hands. 

• Caregiver Training - Caregivers hired through agencies typically receive specialized home care training to address the various needs and medical conditions of their clients. This ensures they are equipped to provide high-quality, professional in-home care.

• Reliable Coverage - If the primary caregiver is unavailable, a home care agency can quickly provide a replacement to maintain consistent care for the client. This eliminates the stress of scrambling to find last-minute coverage or having to take a day off of work or reschedule appointments.

• Liability and Insurance - A reputable home care agency will be bonded and insured, protecting families from potential liability related to caregiver accidents or injuries. This coverage gives families additional security and puts the burden of handling liability and paying for their wages while they recover on the agency, not the client.

• Ease of Reporting - Reporting misconduct or addressing concerns is easier when receiving at-home care through an agency that has established protocols for managing such issues. Families don’t need to navigate these situations on their own, they can simply report any misconduct to the agency they have hired.

• Administrative Support - Agencies handle payroll, taxes, and legal employment responsibilities on behalf of the family, unlike when families hire a private caregiver. This saves families time and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal legal requirements.

Contact Visiting Angels - Denver’s Trusted Home Care Agency

If you are interested in hiring a home care agency in Denver, CO, contact Visiting Angels today. We will book a free in-home consultation where we will go over your loved one’s care needs, preferences, schedule, and budget. This will help us create a custom home care plan that’s tailored to your loved one’s needs and ensure comprehensive, reliable support. Understanding the differences between a private caregiver vs home care agency is crucial, and our team is here to guide you in making the best choice for your family.