Is a Home Care Agency or an Independent Personal Attendant Better?

Many families find themselves trying to determine which is the better decision, to hire an independent personal attendant which may have a lower cost versus hiring an agency.

The decision to hire a home care agency or an independent personal attendant should take into account all the factors outlined in this article.

Quick Response

A home care agency has the resources to be able to fill your request more quickly because they have more staff to draw from. Unlike a single person who may be booked with other clients, or unavailable when you need them due to illness or vacations.

Protection

A home care agency is bound by state and federal regulations and standards to which they must comply. All home care agency staff are bonded and insured and have Liability and Workers’ Comp. insurance. So, in the rare case that a caregiver would hurt themselves in your home, they would not sue your homeowner insurance policy. The single independent personal attendant may not have that coverage.

Quality Control

A home care agency typically has a supervisor who manages all cases and supervises all staff to ensure the client and family are satisfied with the care provided.  Family members are communicated with and updated on a regular basis.  The independent care provider reports to no one and may not be held to the same standard of care and communication.

Ongoing Care Training

Most Home care agencies offer continuing education caregiver training as a benefit for employees and as a way to keep quality of care high.  For many agencies, this training is mandatory. The individual personal care attendant may or may not continue to build upon their skills and knowledge.

Background Checks

Home care agencies routinely screen applicants carefully at the time of hire.  Many have several types of background checks. For independent personal attendants, it is your responsibility to check the background of the individual.

Variety of Care Available

With Home Care agencies you have access to a full range of care providers as the needs of your loved one change.   If the amount of care or the level of skill needed changes-home care agencies can fill your needs.  With the independent care provider- the skills are fixed to the particular individual, so if the needs of your loved one change you have to search for additional providers to help. This is not always practical in an emergency situation.

About Us

Unique HomeCare Services provides care for seniors and people who are recuperating from illness, injury, or surgery. We offer a full range of personal and in-home care services such as personal care, grooming and incontinence care, bathing and dressing, post-hospitalization care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, and medication management.

We also provide non-medical support services such as meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, caring companionship, shopping/errands, accompanying to medical and other appointments, as well as case management services.

We can also assist you with VA Aid and Attendance Benefit approval.

Our service area is Boston, Norwood, Dedham, Westwood, Walpole, Canton, Sharon, Stoughton, Avon, Braintree, Easton, Milton, Quincy, Weymouth, and surrounding towns.

To schedule a no cost and no obligation full In-Home Assessment to determine the home care needs of you or your loved one please call us at (800) 296-9962 to speak to a Case Manager or fill out our Free Quote Contact Form.