Why Choose an Agency?

In-Home Care Agency, CaregiversWhy Choose an Agency Over a Direct Hire Caregiver?

We all want to be good stewards of our time and financial resources. By engaging a licensed agency you can avoid many potential problems:

  • Careful Hiring Practices: Experienced home care agencies hire carefully screened, trustworthy professionals and provide training and active management
  • Seamless Transitions: If your caregiver is ill or unable to come for any reason, another caregiver is seamlessly provided and briefed
  • Taxes: All Federal and State payroll taxes will be deducted from the Caregivers pay and the agency will make the matching employee contribution. All quarterly and year end reports are filed with the appropriate taxing authorities ***
  • U.S. I-9 Form: The caregiver will be required to present the necessary identification documents to satisfy the I-9 requirements and be legally hired in the U.S.
  • Insurance: Fidelity bond insurance and professional liability insurance will be provided
  • Language: The caregiver will be required to communicate well in English and if requested, a foreign language to accommodate the client’s needs
  • Care Plan: A detailed plan of care is created to outline daily routines and tasks for the Caregiver
  • Timesheets: The caregiver will have a system to follow to ensure they start the assignment on time and leave on time
  • Year-End Statement: A year-end statement outlining all charges is provided to each client for IRS purposes

***SPECIAL NOTE: Hiring caregivers as “independent contractors” and ignoring payroll and other taxes can lead to serious and costly repercussions if the individual files for unemployment or makes any claim against you.

In Home Caregivers

In addition to the agency services mentioned above, accountability and supervision are key advantages to using a licensed agency.

An agency acts as a “buffer” between the client and caregiver; we handle any unpleasant chore or problem without disrupting the care of the client.

A licensed agency also has the following responsibilities:

  • Schedules caregivers according to the wishes of the client
  • Keeps close track of hours worked
  • Is accountable for the services provided, not just to the client but also to the state regulatory department
  • Supervises caregivers in their job duties
  • Provides on the job training when needed
  • Monitors the continuing education credits and courses employees are required to complete annually