6 Benefits of Choosing a Home Care Agency
When someone you love needs professional assistance to stay safely and comfortably at home, you may become overwhelmed finding the right caregiver. But, your mission doesn’t have to be impossible.
For most people, there are two options: Hire a home care agency, such as Visiting Angels—or hire a private independent caregiver.
Independent caregivers may seem more affordable at first glance. While they sometimes charge lower hourly rates, independent caregivers may lack the training, experience, and flexibility of an agency-affiliated care provider. Plus, you have to consider employment laws, regulations, and taxes.
Many families discover that choosing a home care agency is the better alternative.
Why is a Home Care Agency the Best Option?
A reputable home care agency can offer peace of mind for families and provide the following advantages:
- Many caregivers to choose from
Home care agencies, such as Visiting Angels, employ numerous caregivers, which means it is easier to choose one that fits well with your schedule — and your loved one’s personality, needs, and preferences.
- Backup caregiving capabilities
If an independent caregiver gets sick, goes on vacation, or needs time off to attend personal or family responsibilities — or if you have a sudden change in your schedule —a temporary caregiver can be challenging to find. However, Visiting Angels can send a replacement caregiver so your loved one won’t be left alone — and you won’t need to make other arrangements.
- Stringent screening requirements
Visiting Angels’ caregivers undergo extensive background checks to ensure they are the best fit for clients. Further, Visiting Angels is licensed, bonded, and insured. When hiring an independent caregiver, it can be costly, difficult, and time-consuming to conduct an in-depth background check that meets agency standards.
- Access to training and continuing education
Visiting Angels’ caregivers have access to training on important topics such as end-of-life care, fall prevention, and disease-specific personal care, enabling them to provide enhanced support. Although some independent caregivers may pursue certifications or accreditations, they do not have access to agency-provided educational resources developed by industry experts.
- Agency supervision and periodic check-ins
When you hire an independent caregiver, you are the caregiver’s employer — which means you have limited recourse if a problem arises. Visiting Angels provides essential support and resources— including a local care coordinator and a 24/7 hotline that you can call to report urgent issues or problems. Visiting Angels’ coordinators will also check in with you and your loved one from time to time to make sure you are satisfied.
- Professional care plans and consultations
When you choose a home care agency like Visiting Angels, you will receive a:
- Free in-home consultation where you can discuss your loved one’s care needs with an experienced care coordinator
- Home care assessment to identify household safety concerns and care needs
- Professional care plan developed by your care coordinator that outlines your caregiver’s responsibilities.
Want to learn more about the advantages of hiring Visiting Angels to support your loved ones as they age in place? Contact your local home care office to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation home care consultation.