The future is here! 21st Century romance is largely found courtesy of online dating websites and smartphone apps. But should similar technology be used to find a loved one’s caregiver?
The most important consideration for anyone weighing hiring options is to determine if he or she is comfortable serving as a de-facto employer. Working through an agency alleviates clients from any such status/responsibility. But caregivers sourced through online platforms are “private hires” and are legally regarded as employees.
The AARP has a great article that further discusses the differences between agency and private-hire caregivers, but here are the fundamental advantages of each:
Agency Advantages
If you’re in need of home care services for yourself or a loved one, be sure to take advantage of BrightStar’s free Registered Nurse (RN) consultation. BrightStar is an award-winning caregiver provider throughout the South Bay, including: Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes.
The most important consideration for anyone weighing hiring options is to determine if he or she is comfortable serving as a de-facto employer. Working through an agency alleviates clients from any such status/responsibility. But caregivers sourced through online platforms are “private hires” and are legally regarded as employees.
The AARP has a great article that further discusses the differences between agency and private-hire caregivers, but here are the fundamental advantages of each:
Agency Advantages
- More thorough candidate vetting and hiring processes
- Great agencies will facilitate face-to-face caregiver interviews upon request!
- Ongoing caregiver supervision and accountability
- Some agencies, like BrightStar Care, actually have licensed RNs who open and supervise every home care case!
- Replacement caregivers immediately available
- Alzheimer’s/Dementia patients and others who suffer from chronic conditions often can’t be left home alone! What happens if a private-hire caregiver no-shows and nobody is at the home supervising the client!
- Special caregiver training and programs
- Some agencies provide training and programs for Alzheimer’s/dementia, Parkinson’s, heart disease, mobility challenges, fall prevention and more!
- Robust insurance policy protections
- Clients who work through licensed agencies need not secure their own specialized insurance policies (work comp, homeowners’ endorsements, etc.).
- “Employer” status: Agencies assume legal liability and handle payroll/taxes
- Almost all private-hire caregiver clients are legally considered “employers” whether they realize it or not!
- Local representatives and customer service
- An international website may not even support phone calls and certainly doesn’t offer service on par with a local home care agency office!
- Lower average cost
- Variety of caregivers searchable by location and availability
- Niche needs like specific languages
- Online payment options
If you’re in need of home care services for yourself or a loved one, be sure to take advantage of BrightStar’s free Registered Nurse (RN) consultation. BrightStar is an award-winning caregiver provider throughout the South Bay, including: Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes.