Differences Between Hiring an Independent Caregiver and an Agency Caregiver
Independent Caregivers vs Agency Caregivers for Seniors
After you’ve decided that your elderly loved one needs a caregiver, you’ll need to decide whether to hire an independent caregiver or work with a home care agency. We’ll explore the pros and cons of either approach so you can understand the differences between private and agency caregivers.
A private caregiver must be employed by the family without any intermediary agency. Private caregivers usually provide non-medical care, except in very rare cases.
Pros of Independent Private Care
Personal Selection: When searching for a private caregiver, you have full control of the entire selection process. However, you have this control but with less work when you choose Active Senior Care, as we send caregivers for free interviews with clients.
Lower Cost: You can negotiate a lower salary for the caregiver and determine how much you’ll pay as well as the terms of payment.
One-on-One Relationship: While it’s possible to develop a stronger and long-lasting relationship with a private caregiver, you can also develop long-lasting relationships with home care agencies or nurse registries. We have many clients who have had the same caregiver for years.
Cons of Independent Private Care
Hiring Is Time Consuming: No matter how well you search and how many referrals you get, finding a reliable and experienced private caregiver is a very difficult process. Many clients don’t even know what makes a great caregiver, so it’s difficult for them to find one.
Private Professionals Are Scarce: Most of the professionally trained caregivers that can offer medical care do not work as independent caregivers.
Hidden Expenses: You must treat your caregiver as an employee, so you need to manage payroll logistics, comply with IRS regulations and pay various taxes.
Responsibility for Liabilities: You must bear the cost of all work-related injuries and accidents. This means you need to pay for liability insurance.
Backup Plans Are Needed: Caregivers work hard, and they could get sick or need rest at various times. When this happens, you must have a backup plan to get someone to take care of the recipient.
Agency Caregivers
Home Care Agencies and Nurse Registries are licensed to refer caregivers to provide in-home care. They recruit and professionally screen caregivers who are sent to the home of your elderly loved one. One of the main benefits of hiring a home care agency or a Nurse Registry versus private caregivers is that a home care agency can provide both medical care, through professionals like nurses and nursing assistants, and non-medical care such as meal preparation, eating, bathing and assistance with mobility.
Pros of Working With Agency Caregivers
Large Pool of Caregivers: Agencies recruit and hire different types of professional and non-professional caregivers, so there’s a constant supply of experienced caregivers to take care of your elderly loved one.
Background Checks: Agencies know the important characteristics of caregivers. So they can take the responsibility for medical examinations, drug screening, background checks and verification of licenses and qualifications so you can receive a caregiver into your home with peace of mind.
Minimal Paperwork: You don’t need to get bogged down with endless documentation and filing of employment and tax papers.
Liability Reduction: Agencies insure all their caregivers, so you don’t need to pay for liability insurance to cover damages, injury or theft.
No Need for Contingency Plans: If a caregiver falls sick, another person will be available to replace or stand in for them.
The most professional, helpful and amazing caregivers in South Florida!! Thank you for your service, definitely recommend for your loved ones.
Aimee Garden-Fernandez
12/08/2016
When I first called Active Home Care, I had been taking care of my mom on my own for several months. I knew I needed help but I didn't know how to find it. My mother's physician recommended Active Home Care, so I called them. They sent a couple of...read moreWhen I first called Active Home Care, I had been taking care of my mom on my own for several months. I knew I needed help but I didn't know how to find it. My mother's physician recommended Active Home Care, so I called them. They sent a couple of caregivers for interviews and I decided on the one I liked the most. I'm using their services 6 hours every day and I'm very happy and relieved now.read less
Camila Roizental
11/12/2019
Best home care agency in Miami FL, all staff is background screened, caring and professional. I have been an Active Home Care customer for a few years, they are wonderful, they come every day to help me with my morning routine, light housekeeping, driving me to my appointments and grocery...read moreBest home care agency in Miami FL, all staff is background screened, caring and professional. I have been an Active Home Care customer for a few years, they are wonderful, they come every day to help me with my morning routine, light housekeeping, driving me to my appointments and grocery shopping. My quality of life has definitely improved since I hired them.read less
Mina Rozenberg
11/12/2019
Selecting care for my wife was one of the most stressful decisions I have ever made. Blima came to our home and really listened to our situation and developed a profile that worked for us. Within days she found the perfect fit and myself and our family will...read moreSelecting care for my wife was one of the most stressful decisions I have ever made. Blima came to our home and really listened to our situation and developed a profile that worked for us. Within days she found the perfect fit and myself and our family will be forever grateful.read less
Lloyd Masukawa
6/15/2021
I hired Active Home Care to provide home care services to my uncle that lives in Miami FL, they have been wonderful and very helpful. The office staff is well trained and helped us navigate our options successfully. 100% recommended!
Jacobo Taurel
11/05/2019
I was looking for in home care services for my mom in the Miami area and found Active Home Care. We started services a couple of months ago and are very satisfied with the staff and caregivers.
Max Rimeris
11/12/2019
My experience has been very positive. The company is responsible and responsive. Their employees are caring and attentive. I would recommend.
Shari Macey
3/18/2021
My mother suffered an accident right before the Holidays and required additional care. I contacted Active Senior Care and they went to work. They paired my Mom with great caregivers, at a truly affordable rate, in a very short time. The empathy and compassion they have shown have made this...read moreMy mother suffered an accident right before the Holidays and required additional care. I contacted Active Senior Care and they went to work. They paired my Mom with great caregivers, at a truly affordable rate, in a very short time. The empathy and compassion they have shown have made this very difficult situation easier. Active Senior Care has great communication and is always there for questions or concerns. They have made what is a hard decision & process, comfortable in a way words cannot accurately express.read less
Evan C
3/09/2021
Compassionate, loving and caring. More of a second home to elderly , 24/7 care and attention. Doesn’t have to worry about older parent being alone at home.
Aj Pisces
12/22/2021
Amazing service. The office is always attentive to our needs and they treat us like family, we are very happy!
Leonardo Rostoker
3/26/2019
Everyone involved is exceptionally professional. All of the home health aides did a wonderful job with my mother. We had a crew of (4) caring for my mom. I would highly recommend this company!!!!
Wayne Higgins
12/17/2020
Was referred to Active Senior Care by the hospital my mom was staying at so I found them to be trust worthy. Luckily, they were able to find someone who was exactly the kind of person I was looking for to look after her. Great service and would recommend.
Ari
11/04/2020
I hired Active Home Care to be with my mom a couple of hours every day and provide personal care assistance and medication reminders while I'm at work. I'm very happy with their services, the office team is compassionate and the staff is highly professional.
Bianca Benatar
9/24/2019
My mom is a current client at Active Home Care, we are extremely happy with the services she is receiving. Anita is wonderful with her, she really cares for my mom. She comes in every day at 9:00 am to assist her with breakfast and getting her ready and stays...read moreMy mom is a current client at Active Home Care, we are extremely happy with the services she is receiving. Anita is wonderful with her, she really cares for my mom. She comes in every day at 9:00 am to assist her with breakfast and getting her ready and stays with her until 3:00 pm. My mom loves Anita, she keeps my mom safe and takes her out to socialize on a daily basis.read less
Meyer Waich
7/02/2019
Active Senior Care has been a huge help with caring for my 96-year-old Mum! They offered friendly, professional, caring services beginning with Blima the representative that I first met in September 2020 all the way to the staff that she organised to help me! I’d had previous experience...read moreActive Senior Care has been a huge help with caring for my 96-year-old Mum! They offered friendly, professional, caring services beginning with Blima the representative that I first met in September 2020 all the way to the staff that she organised to help me! I’d had previous experience working with other agencies. There was no comparison with the outstanding care and concerned that was given by Active Senior Care! I recommend them without hesitation!read less
Thomas Cram
1/22/2021
Everything about the process was professional including follow-up. Every detail was handled and the whole process of having help after an accident was effortless with Active Senior Care.
Bari Schanerman
3/04/2021
Active Home Care agency helped my father so much! They were so quick to respond and send two caregivers who go above and beyond in their service. I hope this review will help another family make a decision to use and trust Active Home Care agency to help their family...read moreActive Home Care agency helped my father so much! They were so quick to respond and send two caregivers who go above and beyond in their service. I hope this review will help another family make a decision to use and trust Active Home Care agency to help their family member in need.read less
Simona Kogan
12/07/2016
I was referred to active home care by a neighbor a couple of months ago. My mother in law is now 82 years old, she is very fragile and needs assistance with some activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. We have had many different caregivers with a...read moreI was referred to active home care by a neighbor a couple of months ago. My mother in law is now 82 years old, she is very fragile and needs assistance with some activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. We have had many different caregivers with a lot of turnover, until we found active home care. They came to our home before starting services and met my mother in law, after that they allowed us to interview different caregivers until we felt comfortable. We are very happy with the caregiver and the service provided by the company.read less
Lisbeth Fernandez Watson
8/30/2019
Cons of Agency Care
Higher Cost: The cost of hiring a caregiver through an agency may be higher than the lower fees charged by independent caregivers.
Schedules Are Defined: Caregivers provided by agencies usually work fixed schedules, so a patient may be seeing different caregivers at certain times if their main caregiver is not available during a rescheduled time. However, 24/7 care is usually available when necessary.
Contact Active Senior Care Today
At Active Senior Care, we offer excellent in-home care services for the elderly. We provide the highest quality of care through specially trained caregivers who are carefully selected to meet the needs of your senior loved ones. Contact us or call us at 786-360-3449 now for more information about our services. We provide service in Miami and the surrounding areas, including Aventura, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Cutler Bay, North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Key Biscayne and Surfside.
Call 786-360-3449 now for a free home visit!