While both home health agencies and independent caregivers can provide non-medical care, an agency provides a larger pool of caregivers. Agencies also handle payroll taxes and insurance, which can save families time and money.
Caregivers that are employed by a home health agency are bonded and insured. This means that if a caregiver is injured, the family is not responsible.
They are licensed and regulated
If you’re considering starting a caregiver agency business, it is important to follow the state’s regulations. You’ll need to register your agency with the state and make sure that all of your employees are cleared for tuberculosis and have a valid nursing license. Your business should also be bonded and insured.
Caregiver agencies are licensed businesses that employ caregivers to provide in-home services. They may offer both medical and non-medical care. Medical care includes services such as wound dressing and injections, while non-medical care involves preparing meals, bathing, and grooming.
Families can hire independent caregivers directly, but this can cost them more money. In addition, independent caregivers are not bonded or insured and are not covered by workers’ compensation. If an independent caregiver is not able to work, the client will need to find a replacement themselves, which can be time-consuming and costly. In contrast, a home care agency will provide a backup caregiver in the event of an emergency.
They offer a variety of caregivers
Choosing a caregiver through an agency is simpler than hiring one independently. An agency will match you with a caregiver and help you determine the best care needs for your loved one. It will also arrange backup care for you if the primary caregiver is sick or on vacation. Alternatively, you can use a registry to find a caregiver yourself, but this can be a time-consuming process.
Professional caregivers are employed by agencies and focus on their work. They usually provide everything from homemaking services to medical care if necessary. In addition, some home care agencies offer hospice caregivers for terminally ill clients.
Families should be aware that when they hire a private caregiver, they become the employer for that person’s payroll taxes and worker’s compensation insurance. Luckily, there are inexpensive options to manage this process, which will save families time and money. Additionally, a caregiver agency may offer counseling and support groups for caregivers.
They are insured
For home care agencies, it is important to have insurance policies and coverages that will protect you in the event of an accident or incident. This includes liability and worker’s compensation. Insureon can help you find the best policies and coverages for your business.
Caregiver agency businesses are booming as the baby boomers age. This industry offers seniors and their families a way to stay at home longer while receiving in-home healthcare services. This includes assistance with bathing, dressing and toileting, meal preparation, medication reminders and companionship.
Caregivers are often employed by an agency, which ensures that they are bonded and insured. This is important because caregivers can be a major source of stress when they are uninsured or have no workers’ compensation coverage.
Families can also hire a private-duty caregiver directly through a home health aide registry. However, this approach carries more responsibilities and risks for the client. In addition, clients are responsible for filing payroll taxes and ensuring that the caregiver is legally allowed to work in the United States.
They are flexible
Caregivers working with an agency can choose which clients to work with, whereas solo caregivers can’t always do this. If you want to work only twice a week for a particular client, for example, or start early some mornings to make a doctor’s appointment, there’s nobody to tell you not to.
Agencies can also provide backup care when a caregiver calls in sick or needs a quick upgrade for a sudden need. They can also help with the screening and paperwork involved, such as verifying a caregiver’s background and qualifications.
Families who hire an independent caregiver or use a home health registries pay less up-front, but must take on responsibility for payroll taxes, worker’s compensation insurance, and any applicable paperwork. These registries can connect families with vetted, qualified caregivers but don’t offer the same level of protection as an agency. They may also have minimum hour requirements. Families can also find a private caregiver through a referral service or an online database.
