When your aging parent needs in-home care in California, one of the decisions you need to make early on is whether to hire a caregiver directly or through an agency. Although both decisions can result in a wonderful caregiving relationship for your loved one, there are differences you should be aware of to make the right decision.
As a trusted source for senior care in South Orange County, we at Dash Referral Agency will share the pros and cons of directly hiring caregivers:
- Advantages
The benefit of directly hiring caregivers for senior care in Irvine, California is the cost. By choosing to hire directly, you save up on the overhead costs of hiring from an agency. This also includes the costs of taxes, background checks, and insurance, depending on the agency.
You also have more control over the selection process. This means you can meet with as many potential caregivers as possible until you find the right one. You have more control over their services and can also provide direct feedback to communicate your loved one’s needs or preferences.
- Disadvantages
Although hiring a caregiver directly may allow you to save money, it can also be an arduous task. Finding the right applicants will take time, research, and money to conduct interviews, background checks, and more. Unlike a referral agency where finding applicants is easy, you will need to dedicate time and resources, which can be a challenge if you seek immediate help.
As the employer, you also have to create the necessary procedures and systems to manage daily tasks. This includes vacation time, schedules, what to do in case of an emergency, and so forth. There are numerous factors to consider to avoid issues with your loved one and their caregiver.