A caregivers agency is a licensed, insured and regulated business that recruits, screens, hires, trains and monitors home health care aides. Agencies are also responsible for worker’s compensation, taxes and payroll. Agencies also provide backup services in the event a caregiver is ill or unavailable for any reason. Agencies typically accept long term care insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.
Caregivers offer a variety of home healthcare services such as bathing, toileting, grooming and dressing. They help with medications, meal preparation and shopping. They can also assist clients with exercise and mobility activities. In addition, they can assist with scheduling doctor and hair appointments and errands. They can also drive clients to theaters, shopping, and church functions.
If you are considering hiring an independent caregiver, it is important to check that they are bonded and insured for your protection. A private caregiver who is not a part of an agency will likely not have workers’ compensation or liability coverage which can leave you with a big bill if they are hurt at work.
A good way to find out more about a caregivers agency is to request a brochure from them. This will give you an idea of the services they offer and the rates they charge. It will also list references that you can call to ask about the level of care provided and the professionalism of the aides. Be sure to ask the aide’s credentials and where they have worked previously. caregivers agency