When the time comes to consider home care for your loved one, it can feel like a daunting decision. Even the idea of exploring your options can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning stages when you’re not sure where to start. In this case, knowledge is power and we want to make metropolitan Phoenix’s most popular care options as easy to understand as possible.
Privately hired caregivers (aka private caregiving) vs. working with an agency in metropolitan Phoenix are similar in the idea of providing care to your loved one, but differ on many levels. Although we feel a sense of pride knowing our Care Pros are some of the best in the business, private caregiving does hold a prominent place in home care as well. Ultimately, the choice comes down to what is best for your family, so we want to highlight all the key features to help make the choice easier.
What’s the difference between private caregiving vs. working with an agency?
Private caregiving is just that, finding a caregiver through your own selection. It involves hiring an individual directly, typically through personal recommendations or online platforms. Training, certifications, insurance, payment, and a plethora of other tasks need to be overseen by you exclusively. Think of it as hiring an employee to work for your loved one with you as their manager.
On the other hand, working with an agency means partnering with Home Instead to take care of any and all concerns relating to your loved one and family. We recruit, train, and manage our team of Care Pros, ensuring that all these administrative tasks are checked off for you. Most of all, we take on the responsibility of finding the best possible fit for your everyday routine and loved one’s needs.
Agencies seem expensive… does private caregiving save me money?
One common concern we run across with potential clients is the cost associated with agency services compared to private caregiving. Yes, you will spend more upfront to work with an agency compared to finding a private caregiver - but there is more to consider.
Your Phoenix home care agency will take on any and all responsibility with our Care Pros to ensure your time is spent with your loved one exclusively.
Although this cost may seem more expensive upfront, the prevention of mistakes or emergencies ensures your money is being saved in the long run. Best of all, we provide an additional peace of mind by acting as the middle man for whatever scenario necessary.
What are the risks I take on when hiring a private caregiver?
Hiring a private caregiver is no small task. Although it seems like both a money and time saver in the short run, here is a list of risks you take on when pursuing this avenue:
- Interviewing and background checks
- Evaluating your loved one’s care plan from scratch
- Training of any kind
- Validating that their training matches your personal level of need
- Payroll, taxes, minimum wage, Social Security, and overtime
- Dealing with work-related injuries, workers compensation or disability
- Liability insurance in case of theft, property damage, automobile accidents etc
- Finding a caregiver substitute in an emergency
- Flexibility to increase or decrease care as your needs change
- Tough conversations, discipline, and termination
We have seen just about everything and we are equipped to handle any challenge that arises with speed, grace and efficiency. An employee who is late every day, a theft allegation, an automobile accident including you and your carepro, a fall in your home, an injured carepro who can no longer work can all be very scary and overwhelming to manage on top of needing care.
At Home Instead, we want to take on all of these responsibilities for you! We understand how important your family’s time is, so let us worry about the details. Your time should be spent with your loved one.
What does working with an agency really look like?
We’d love to tell you! Working with Home Instead is a collaboration between the training and background we have and the details, routines, and habits of your loved one. Once these initial steps are put in place, Home Instead assumes the administrative role, working with your family to ensure all needs are met with reliable care delivery. You don’t just have one Care Pro, you have a whole team working behind you 24x7.
This includes creating customized care plans, regular check-ins and evaluations, and ongoing communication with both you and your loved one. We also prioritize continuing education in our Care Pros, guaranteeing they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional care.
You and your family are able to see all of this in our comprehensive Family App. You have the ability to change your schedule, pay for your service, view your care plan, view the notes from your visit and much more.
Above all, we want you, your loved one, and the entire family to feel a sense of support and companionship from our end. We know any and all emotions are present during caregiving for someone so special, so we want to provide support in any way you need.
Do agencies care about my loved one as much as I do?
While this is a valid concern, your role and responsibilities as a family member vary greatly from our role as a professional caregiver. Because we are so involved in the day-to-day of clients’ care, we very quickly grow a connection with our clients and their families. We learn about their preferences, hobbies, and how they like to be cared for. Together, we ensure their safety and contentment, allowing you to return to your role as their loved one.
Our commitment to building strong relationships with your entire family goes just beyond the level of care, but to a place of compassion so you feel comfortable welcoming a Care Pro into your home.
Although we understand and commend anyone pursuing additional support and care for their loved one, we cannot recommend working through an agency enough! Your well-being is our top priority, and we're here to support you every step of the way. If there is any help we can provide for your caregiving needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Home Instead.
