(BPT) - At some point you may consider hiring a home care provider for assistance. The first place people usually look is on the Internet, and ultimately on Craigslist, where there are people looking for home care jobs. Hiring a stranger for this kind of important service isn’t easy. You need them to be caring, capable and reliable — and trustworthy enough to work in your home. People you encounter on Craigslist could be “anyone” — you simply don’t know, and you’re putting yourself at risk.
There are serious benefits of getting help through an agency. Here are some critical points to consider and some information about why Craigslist isn’t your best bet:
- An Agency Ultimately Delivers a Lower Cost
When you hire someone independent, the law says you are their employer, and as such, you are required to pay all necessary compensation charges including taxes, Social Security and other benefits. However, when you go through an agency to hire a home care specialist, the agency only charges you an hourly rate and handles all the other employee benefits for that individual required by law. There are no hidden costs. Ultimately it is more cost effective to go through an agency than to Craigslist. - Agencies Ensure Background Safety and Security Checks
Home care agencies do thorough background checks on their team. Their applicants undergo exhaustive screening, including criminal liabilities, to ensure they’re getting personnel with clean and reputable records. This process is very costly. If you want a care provider you can trust, a home care agency can give you that. - Protection from Disability Claims
Home caregivers are bonded and insured when they work through an agency at no cost to you. If they get injured on the job, they can get whatever medical attention they need through the agency’s coverage. However, if they are your direct employee, you must pay for their bonds and insurance directly. If something happens to them while on duty, they can make costly claims for damages. - Reduced Risk of Theft
A caregiver from a reputable source can be trusted with your personal belongings because the agency has well-screened them. Aside from the peace of mind that they won’t touch any of your private belongings, you can also easily trace them if necessary. All staff at AEC Living Home Care are finger-printed and registered with the State of California. They do regular monitoring, continuing education for their staff and provide supervision by a care manager. The agency makes sure you and your belongings are safe and secure. - Your Home Care Provider Will Show, No Matter What
With agency home care providers, there is always someone who can attend to the job — the primary caregiver assigned, or their backup. If the assigned caregiver is unable to visit your home, there is always an alternate care provider to step in. This is often a place where independent caregivers fall short.
AEC Home Care is a private duty, non-medical, in-home care agency serving the California Bay Area. The agency has over 45 years of experience serving seniors in this community and offers a wide variety of personalized care solutions. To learn more, please reach out to them at 510-748-9700 or at this link online.
