Not all senior in home care services are the same. Learn about options available in London, ON, and the surrounding areas.
Senior in home care services can help seniors live safely and comfortably, but assessing options can be a daunting task. There are many care options, and knowing the differences between types of services and service providers can help you make the right decision. Before you select an organization or individual to provide care for you or a loved one, make sure you research services and providers and ask the right questions. We are available to discuss your situation. Call (519) 601-4075.
Typical Services
In-home caregivers provide a range of services and assistance that allow seniors and other adults to remain in their own homes. Most providers may offer a mix of the following:
Homemaking and Companionship Care: This can include meal preparation, errands, transportation, light housekeeping, companionship, medication reminders, and a variety of other services.
Personal Care: Personal care services include bathing, grooming and hygiene, toileting and incontinence care, feeding, special diet or meal preparation, and other services.
Specialized Services: Specialized services may include around-the-clock emergency response, live-in care, and, often, care for clients with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related needs.
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Care Providers’ Business Structures
Most senior in home care services providers operate under one of three business structures: independent providers, employment-based agencies, and registries. Each is substantially different in how they staff and charge for services, who is considered the employer, and what employer responsibilities apply, including employment taxes and deductions, insurance coverage for the caregiver, and liability insurance.
Independents and Private Caregivers
The biggest “plus” in hiring an independent is the hourly rate. Generally, you pay the caregiver less than what you will pay a registry or an employment-based agency. However, a lower hourly rate does not always translate into the most cost-efficient solution. If you secure an independent to provide senior in home care services, you are now the employer. That means you are responsible for all employment taxes and deductions for your employee, the caregiver.
You also become responsible for securing appropriate insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation in case the caregiver is injured while providing care in the home, and general liability insurance in the event the caregiver causes property damage. Most homeowners’ policies do not cover the expenses associated with an injury or damages sustained while a caregiver is in your employ.
Additionally, while not required, it is important for your own safety and security that you obtain appropriate background checks and verify that the candidate is capable, appropriately trained, and a quality home care provider. There is the potential for both physical abuse and financial exploitation when work is being done on behalf of a medically vulnerable person with limited daily functioning and, often, cognitive impairment.
This becomes especially easy when the caregiver and the recipient of care are isolated in a private home setting with little or no supervision.
Basically, in the case of an independent, clients are fully responsible for all tasks and costs normally taken on by employment-based agencies.
Beyond the finances, ask: Is there a backup caregiver in the event the primary caregiver is ill or unable to care for the individual? Is the individual trained, or do they have access to training to accommodate the changing care needs of a client?
On the surface, a lower hourly rate can appear to be the sensible decision, but as you begin to understand what an independent caregiver can or cannot provide, a clear message begins to emerge. A lower rate does not always translate to a more cost-efficient or highest-quality care solution.
Employment-Based Agencies
An employment-based agency can be a corporation, subsidiary, or franchise. The greatest benefit to hiring a caregiver from an organization that employs its caregivers is that the organization takes care of all the behind-the-scenes details. It interviews prospective caregivers, conducts rigorous background checks, verifies employees’ information, validates their references, and takes care of all fringe costs (insurance, taxes, and so forth) associated with employees.
This offers many benefits for clients and their families:
The organization employs the caregiver, so clients are not burdened with employer laws and requirements.
The organization conducts face-to-face interviews and rigorous background, information, and reference checks.
Caregivers are covered by workers’ compensation, general liability, and bonding insurance.
Caregivers receive training prior to being placed in a client’s home.
The organization and its caregivers comply with all certifications and other requirements.
The organization has a large roster of caregivers who can provide care in the event the regular caregiver is unavailable.
The organization provides ongoing supervision and caregiver training to ensure quality care.
Registries and Placement Agencies
These are organizations that build and manage databases of caregivers, but do not actually employ the caregivers. The caregivers are often independent contractors, but the employment arrangements can vary. Clients who decide to use registries may find that they are considered the caregiver’s employer and are therefore responsible for employment tax withholdings and insurance coverage.
Some registries do provide workers’ compensation, but clients need to understand the extent of the coverage to ensure the caregiver is actually covered while working for them.
Quality registries and placement agencies typically complete background checks on the caregivers in their database. Generally, they do not provide training, nor do they ensure a level of caregiving proficiency prior to placing the caregiver. These companies act as a matchmaker and provide viable caregiver personnel options for consumers to consider. In the event a chosen caregiver cannot perform their duties, the registry can provide alternative caregiver solutions.
If you choose a registry or placement agency to provide a caregiver for senior in home care services, make sure you understand:
Who employs the caregiver
Who is responsible for employment tax withholdings
What kind of background checks have been run on the caregiver and the outcome of the checks
Any and all insurance coverage that may apply to the caregiver in the home
The type of training the caregiver may have received and certifications the caregiver may have secured
How the caregiver is paid
If there is any type of caregiver oversight
Always beside You
Contact Comfort Keepers® Today
If you would like to learn more about your senior in home care services options, contact your friends at Comfort Keepers® in London, ON, for information. Our caregivers are fully employed by our London office and are bonded and insured. Call now: (519) 601-4075.
