6 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Caregiver

With the help of Heather Frenette from Desert Care Management, we explore six need-to-know questions of each caregiver type so you are empowered before choosing a caregiver that is right for your senior’s needs.

Families looking for caregivers have two options. They can find a caregiver through a licensed and reputable agency or directly hire a private caregiver who provides services privately. This process can be overwhelming, and there are pros and cons to each approach. 

First, let’s explore the differences between private caregivers and agency caregivers.

Private Caregivers

• It’s important to note that if you choose a private caregiver, they are considered an employee of yourself or your senior.
• The client is responsible for the employer’s share of social security, unemployment insurance, and worker’s compensation, to name a few.
• The client is responsible for federal and state tax deposits based on the caregiver’s compensation.
• The client is responsible for conducting the necessary background checks of the caregiver(s).
• If a caregiver is off sick, the responsibility falls onto the client to coordinate another caregiver to stand-in.
• Private caregivers can offer a broader range of support services.
• Families can be more selective before deciding on a caregiver.
• Communication with a caregiver is streamlined as there is no middle man.

Choosing a private caregiver can be more affordable. However, it can be very time-consuming.

In short, opting for a private caregiver can be more affordable. However, it requires more administration on the part of the family or senior loved one. If your loved one requires round-the-clock care, this responsibility falls onto the next of kin. That being said, vetting, interviewing, negotiating hours and salary, etc., can become a time-consuming task for a family if not appropriately managed. Each situation is unique, and so are the needs of each senior. Discuss this decision with all relevant family members or stakeholders to get the necessary support upfront.

3 Questions to ask yourself before choosing a private caregiver: 

1. Do I enjoy managing others?
2. Can I commit to ongoing administrative tasks such as payroll, social security, and tax deposits?
3. Do I have experience in supervising another person(s)?

Heather adds that one should always exercise additional caution before selecting a private caregiver. She advises: “Thoroughly check each of their references and rather pay to have a proper background check and drug screening done beforehand. If they have a current fingerprint clearance card, even better! If not, ask them to get one, they currently cost $67 and will benefit them, and you in the long run.”

Agency Caregivers

• When working via an agency, it’s important to note that the caregiver is an agency employee.
• The agency pays taxes, unemployment insurance, and worker’s compensation.
• The agency is responsible for the background checks of the caregiver(s).
• The agency has multiple caregivers and can arrange cover when a caregiver calls off sick.
• The agency has liability insurance to cover the caregiver for theft or damage.
• Typically more expensive per hour than private caregivers.
• Can, in some instances, have a limited range of support services on offer.
• You or your senior may not like the caregiver appointed by the agency.
• Communication can become complicated when proper channels need to be followed when reporting and resolving an issue with a caregiver.
• Reputable agencies require caregivers to attend ongoing training on a variety of subjects and skills.
• Agencies are generally restricted by state laws regulating which tasks caregivers can and can’t perform.

Choosing a reputable agency can offer peace of mind, reduce stress and save you time – but it can also be costly.

Although a private caregiver may have a cheaper hourly rate than an agency caregiver, when the cost of unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation are added to the hourly rate, it may end up being more expensive to have a private caregiver. Agencies absorb all the administrative tasks and financial risks on behalf of the client, 

3 Questions to ask yourself before choosing an agency caregiver: 

1. How can I keep track of the caregiver’s daily duties?
2. How does the agency vet caregivers?
3. Who is the right person to chat to in the event of an issue arising?

Heather adds: “Some agencies consider themselves ‘staffing agencies’. This means that they have a pool of caregivers and try to find them jobs. If hired, the caregiver becomes your employee, the same as the private caregiver. Be sure to ask the agency if their caregivers are their employees and whether or not they withhold taxes.”

If followed with care, these guidelines should help to better inform your decision between choosing a private caregiver or an agency caregiver, and the inherent risks associated with each.

Do you feel this article was helpful? Leave a comment on this post or send us any suggestions via email at berdene@optionsfsl.com

*Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his or her immediate family, physician, or other care providers.