Assessing Home Care Options

Not All Home Care Is the Same

In-home care can help seniors live safely and comfortably at home. Assessing options may seem challenging, but it’s worth the effort to find the right fit. There are many home care choices available. Knowing the differences in services and providers can help you make the best decision for your needs. Before choosing an organization or individual to provide care, research them thoroughly. Ask the right questions to ensure the best care for you or your loved one.

Typical Home Care Services

In-home caregivers offer a range of services that help seniors and other adults stay independent in their own homes. Most providers offer a mix of the following:

• Homemaking and Companionship Care: This includes meal preparation, running errands, transportation, light housekeeping, companionship, medication reminders, and other supportive services.
• Personal Care: This includes assistance with bathing, grooming, hygiene, toileting, incontinence care, feeding, special diet preparation, and other personal needs.
• Specialized Services: These may include 24-hour emergency response, live-in care, and support for clients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Home Care Providers’ Business Structures

The majority of in-home care providers operate under one of three business structures: independent providers, employment-based agencies, and registries. Each structure differs significantly in how they staff caregivers, charge for services, and handle employer responsibilities. This includes employment taxes and deductions, insurance coverage for the caregiver, and liability insurance.

Independents/Private Caregivers

The primary advantage of hiring an independent caregiver is often the lower hourly rate compared to registries or agencies. However, a lower rate does not always mean the most cost-effective or reliable solution overall.

When you hire an independent, you become the employer. This means you are responsible for handling all employment taxes and deductions for the caregiver.

You are also responsible for securing appropriate insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation in case the caregiver is injured while providing care, and general liability insurance if the caregiver causes property damage. Most homeowners’ policies do not cover expenses related to injuries or damages incurred by an employed caregiver.

In essence, clients take on all the tasks and costs that employment-based agencies typically manage.

Beyond the financial aspects, consider availability and support. Will there be a backup caregiver if the primary one is ill or unavailable? Is the caregiver adequately trained, and do they have access to ongoing training to adapt to changing care needs?

On the surface, a lower hourly rate may seem appealing. But understanding the full scope of what an independent caregiver provides reveals that it may not always be the most efficient or highest-quality care option.

Employment-Based Agencies

An employment-based agency may operate as a corporation, subsidiary, or franchise. The greatest benefit is that the agency manages all the behind-the-scenes details. They interview prospective caregivers, conduct rigorous background checks, verify information, validate references, and handle all associated costs like insurance, taxes, and more.

This provides numerous advantages for clients and their families:

• The agency employs the caregiver, relieving clients of employer-related laws and requirements.
• The agency performs face-to-face interviews and thorough background, information, and reference checks.
• Caregivers are covered by workers’ compensation, general liability, and bonding insurance.
• Caregivers receive comprehensive training before being placed in a client’s home.
• The agency and its caregivers comply with all necessary certifications and requirements.
• The agency maintains a large roster of caregivers to provide backups if the regular caregiver is unavailable.
• The agency offers ongoing supervision and training to ensure consistent, high-quality care.

Registries and Placement Agencies

These organizations build and manage databases of caregivers but do not employ them directly. Caregivers are often independent contractors, though arrangements can vary. Clients using registries may be considered the employer, making them responsible for employment tax withholdings and insurance coverage. Some registries provide workers’ compensation, but it’s essential to understand the extent of the coverage to confirm protection while the caregiver is working in the home.

Quality registries and placement agencies typically conduct background checks on caregivers in their database. However, they generally do not provide training or verify caregiving proficiency before placement. These organisations act as matchmakers, offering suitable caregiver options for clients to consider. If a selected caregiver is unavailable or unsuitable, the registry can suggest alternatives.

If you choose a registry or placement agency for in-home care, ensure you understand:

• Who employs the caregiver
• Who is responsible for employment tax withholdings
• What background checks were conducted and their outcomes
• All applicable insurance coverage for the caregiver in the home
• The caregiver’s training and any certifications they hold
• How the caregiver is compensated
• Whether there is any oversight or supervision of the caregiver

To learn more about your home care options and find personalized support, contact your nearest Comfort Keepers^® office today for a free consultation. Comfort Keepers caregivers are fully employed by local offices and are bonded and insured, allowing you to focus on what matters most—elevating the human spirit℠ through compassionate care.