Non-medical supportive services for a home can be obtained through different ways. But regardless of what level of service you are looking for, odds are you will find yourself facing one choice: Should you find and hire an independent contractor or someone who works for an agency? Let's take a look at each of these options.
Non-Agency Services
Independent contractors can be hired by a family member or by the person who needs help. This might seem cheaper, but it's also possible that there are some hidden costs and risks.
The independent contractor's employer is the one who hires him, so that person will take care of the payroll taxes and such.
The employer will also be the one who takes care of the medical bills if the independent contractor meets and injury or accident during the job.
If the independent contractor is sick or goes on vacation, he or she is not obligated to find a replacement.
There are many cases of independent contractors who thieved and abused the people under their care, so be sure to do a background check before hiring anyone.
Agency Workers
Companies employ individuals to provide specific services that help with activities of daily living such as preparing meals, light housework, bathing and companionship. The agency can alleviate consumers of many of the problems they may face if they hire an independent contractor because it is responsible for taxes, insurance, bonding and workers' compensation. Also, if an employee is sick or goes on vacation, the agency provides another employee to perform the needed services.
Training and supervision is provided for agency employees. This helps the agency monitor and respond to the changing needs of clients, ensuring that the appropriate level/skill of caregiver is assigned. The agency also conducts background checks according to state law.
In addition, the agency is often licensed to provide a higher level of home care (skilled nursing, for example) for individuals. This ensures that a person won't have to work for more than one company should his needs change. Working with one company can make it easier to access formal payer sources such as Medicare.
Non-Agency Services
Independent contractors can be hired by a family member or by the person who needs help. This might seem cheaper, but it's also possible that there are some hidden costs and risks.
The independent contractor's employer is the one who hires him, so that person will take care of the payroll taxes and such.
The employer will also be the one who takes care of the medical bills if the independent contractor meets and injury or accident during the job.
If the independent contractor is sick or goes on vacation, he or she is not obligated to find a replacement.
There are many cases of independent contractors who thieved and abused the people under their care, so be sure to do a background check before hiring anyone.
Agency Workers
Companies employ individuals to provide specific services that help with activities of daily living such as preparing meals, light housework, bathing and companionship. The agency can alleviate consumers of many of the problems they may face if they hire an independent contractor because it is responsible for taxes, insurance, bonding and workers' compensation. Also, if an employee is sick or goes on vacation, the agency provides another employee to perform the needed services.
Training and supervision is provided for agency employees. This helps the agency monitor and respond to the changing needs of clients, ensuring that the appropriate level/skill of caregiver is assigned. The agency also conducts background checks according to state law.
In addition, the agency is often licensed to provide a higher level of home care (skilled nursing, for example) for individuals. This ensures that a person won't have to work for more than one company should his needs change. Working with one company can make it easier to access formal payer sources such as Medicare.