Taking on the caregiving role for an aging family member or loved one with long-term health needs is often challenging. It’s even more stressful for families who also have a full-time job or other obligations outside the home. In such cases, hiring help may be the best choice to alleviate some of the pressure. Caregiver agencies can provide a trusted solution to help with housekeeping, cooking, and other tasks. The key is to select the right caregiver agency near me to meet your specific needs.
The most common options for in-home caregivers are home care agencies and private caregivers. Both deliver the same basic services—housekeeping, meal preparation, and ADL assistance—but each offers different pros and cons.
With a home care agency, you pay a fee to hire a caregiver who has been vetted and is insured. The agency will handle payroll, workers’ compensation insurance, and tax payments. It will also provide a schedule and address any conflicts or concerns. You have more flexibility to choose a caregiver, and you can often find one who speaks a second language or shares interests with your relative.
However, you must do the initial screening and interviewing yourself. You’ll need to ask for a resume and references. You should also ask about training (if applicable) and whether the caregiver is certified or licensed. Lastly, you must decide whether to buy liability insurance for your caregiver (a requirement in some states). If your relative has long-term care coverage, they might be able to use it to pay for the service. caregiver agency near me