Hiring a Caregiver: Why You Should Go Through an Agency

If you are looking at caregivers for a family member or even yourself, you may be unsure where to start. You may choose someone in your family who wants to step into that role, though normally you may choose someone privately or go through an agency.

First, you need to understand what a professional caregiver is

A professional caregiver is someone who works with people so that they can continue to live as independently as possible. You may want to hire a licensed medical professional, like a nurse, to help out you or your loved ones. You may also want a medical professional if you or your loved one needs therapy. Non-medical in-home care professional will be someone who helps out around the house. They may come into your or your loved one's home and help with meals, baths, and even do some cleaning and laundry.

What is the difference between a private caregiver and one whom you hire through an agency? 

Whether you need a medical or a non-medical professional to help you out, you can hire someone directly. These independent or private caregivers will work directly with you. You will be in charge of paying them and acting as an employer.

You may also decide to go through an agency. They will be the ones who are the employers. They will be in charge of hiring, paying, and firing any home care professionals. These often cost more but with fewer headaches.

Why should you choose to go through an agency? 

Here are some reasons why it is better to go through an agency instead of hiring someone privately. 

If you hire someone privately, you need to act like an employer. If you have never had an employee, this might be too much for you. You will have to figure out exactly what you need in a home-care professional in order to find the right person for the job. If something changes, you will have to either look for more help or find someone who is more suitable. Hiring and firing people can be a lot for most people. They don't need the added stress, on top of the stress that they are already dealing with. 

Agencies also go through more during the hiring process. They are more likely to do thorough background checks, as well as check on their caregiver's experiences. They often have regular training to ensure that their employees are doing everything that they can to make the experience a positive one. 

If you need multiple caregivers (such as 24-hour care), it may be easier to get through an agency. It isn't too hard to find someone to come in and help for a few hours each week. However, if you need 24-hour care (or at least one or two shifts a day), it will be much easier to let someone else deal with the scheduling. An agency will have employees plus the ability to schedule what you need. 

They will also be more responsible if someone goes on vacation or is sick. If you hire someone privately, you may end up struggling to find someone else if they get sick or go on vacation. You might have to take off work if your caregiver is sick, because someone has to stay home. However, if you use an agency, they have many professionals who can cover if someone is sick, so you don't have to worry about it. 

You are also more likely to find medical home-care professionals at an agency. Most private home-care professionals aren't medically trained. They are fine to help with meals and bathing, but if you require more care, such as wound care or physical therapy, you will want someone who is licensed. This will be harder to find, so you might end up looking at an agency.

Choosing a caregiver can be challenging, especially when there are so many choices. That being said, you should look into an agency. They may cost you a little extra money, but it's worth it with peace of mind. You don't have to worry about finding someone to cover if your caregiver becomes sick. You also can have medical professionals around the clock, seven days a week if you need it.