Home Maker & Personal Care Services
Tips on selecting your service provider
Tips on Selecting Your Service Provider
1. Make Sure You Are an Informed Consumer
There are a variety of ways to get supportive services and it's easy to feel confused and unsure.
Also, there can be differences in costs that are difficult to understand. In many cities throughout the country, there may be dozens of what appear to be similar companies offering non-medical home care and companion services, in addition to people who work independently. It's important to understand all the implications before making any decisions. Yellow Page advertisements or Internet websites can look very impressive.
What You Need To Know
There are basically two ways to access supportive home care and there are major differences between each one. It's important to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision. The two choices are as follows:
Home Care Agency (ABC Health Care) - This is a company that employs individuals to provide specific health services and is responsible for taxes, insurance, bonding and workers compensation. Employment is the meaningful variable; it carries with it an array of protections. If an employee is sick or goes on vacation, they provide another employee to perform the needed services. The employees receive some degree of training depending on the skill level. The agency supervises the employee, including regular visits to check on the work they are doing. In home care agencies, a supervisor assigns specific duties and supervises the care professionals. Staff keep records of services performed and of clients' status. They report changes in the client status to the supervisor or case manager.
In many instances, the agency provides supportive services (help with bathing, homemaking, companions) and also skilled care(nursing treatments, physical therapy). This means that if someone receiving help with shopping and errands becomes ill and needs nursing help, he or she does not have to seek another source of help-the same agency can provide care. It can be a smooth transition for the patient and the family already dealing with changes with someone becoming ill.
Independent Contractor - This is a person who is individually hired by either a family member or the person needing help. While this may appear less expensive, there are many "hidden" costs and risks. Whoever hires an independent contractor must pay all appropriate taxes - they are the employer. If the independent contractor is injured on the job, the person who hires the individual is responsible for medical bills and any other expenses. Also, if the independent contractor is sick or goes on vacation, he or she is not obligated to find a replacement. There is no formalized supervision or training program. Perhaps lower in hourly costs, choosing an independent contractor does not provide the security, trust and assurance most people want for themselves or their loved ones.