Elderly & Senior Care Ocala
There are three fundamental business structures of providers who offer in-home care for seniors and other adults: independents, registries, and employment based agencies, which include local/regional/national corporations or franchise organizations. Each is substantially different in how they staff and charge for services as well as who assumes the role of employer and the associated responsibilities of the employer. This week we are going to cover how these structures differ so you can better determine which kind of provider is best for you and your family.
INDEPENDENTS
The first provider we will discuss are independents. Independents are as the name suggests; an individual, or individuals, not part of a larger organizational structure providing in-home care. An independent may be someone you know personally or from the community, or it may be someone who advertises in-home services in the classified section of the newspaper. No matter the source of the independent caregiver, there are implications surrounding hiring an independent that should be considered before securing the relationship.
The biggest “plus” in hiring an independent is the hourly rate. Generally, you pay the caregiver less than what you will pay a registry or an employment based agency. However, a lower hourly rate does not always translate into the most cost efficient solution. If you secure an independent to provide in-home care, you are now the employer.
As an employer that means you are responsible for all employment taxes and deductions for your employee, the caregiver. You also become responsible for securing the appropriate insurance coverage such as Workers’ Compensation in case the caregiver is injured while providing care in the home and general liability insurance in the event the caregiver causes property damage. Most homeowners’ policies do not cover the expenses associated with an injury or damages sustained while a caregiver is in your employ.
Additionally, while not required it is important for your own safety and security that you procure appropriate background checks and validation that the candidate is a capable, appropriately trained, and quality care provider. Beyond the finances, is there a backup caregiver in the event the primary caregiver is ill or unable to care for the individual? Is the individual trained or does he/she have access to training, to accommodate the changing care needs of a client? If care is provided in a licensure state, is the caregiver licensed or certified to provide the care services?
On the surface, a lower hourly rate can appear to be the sensible decision, but as you begin to understand what an independent caregiver can or cannot provide, a clear message begins to emerge. A lower rate does not always translate to a more cost efficient, or highest quality, care solution. Be sure you carefully evaluate the best option for your needs!
Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages, Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.
