Choosing care for an aging parent or recovering loved one is one of the most important decisions families make. In California, many people face the same question:
Should we hire a private caregiver or work with a licensed home care agency?
While private caregivers may appear less expensive upfront, there are critical differences in safety, legal responsibility, reliability, and quality of care that families often don’t realize until problems arise.
Here’s what every California family should know before making that choice.
Understanding the Difference
👤 Private Caregiver
A private caregiver is typically an individual hired directly by a family. They may be found through referrals, online platforms, or community ads.
Families who hire privately usually become the legal employer, responsible for:
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Payroll and tax withholding
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Workers’ compensation insurance
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Liability coverage
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Overtime compliance
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Backup care if the caregiver calls out
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Training and supervision
Many families don’t realize this until after care begins.
🏢 Licensed Home Care Agency
A licensed home care agency is regulated by the state of California and must meet strict standards for:
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Caregiver background checks
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Ongoing training
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Supervision and quality oversight
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Insurance coverage
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Labor law compliance
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Emergency backup staffing
With an agency, caregivers are employees of the company — not yours.
That means the agency handles everything from scheduling to compliance.
Key Differences California Families Should Consider
✅ Legal Protection
When hiring privately, families assume full employer responsibility. If a caregiver is injured on the job or makes a mistake, the family may be financially liable.
Licensed agencies carry:
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Workers’ compensation
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General liability insurance
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Bonding
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Employment protections
This dramatically reduces risk for families.
✅ Caregiver Screening & Training
Agencies are required to perform:
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Criminal background checks
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TB testing
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Skills assessments
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Ongoing education
Private caregivers may or may not have formal training — and families often must verify credentials themselves.
✅ Reliability & Backup Coverage
What happens if your caregiver gets sick, quits suddenly, or goes on vacation?
With private care, families are often left scrambling.
With an agency, replacement caregivers are arranged immediately, ensuring continuity of care.
✅ Professional Oversight
Licensed agencies provide ongoing supervision, care coordination, and clinical oversight when needed. This ensures care plans are followed and adjusted as conditions change.
Private caregivers usually work independently without professional monitoring.
The Hidden Costs of “Cheaper” Private Care
At first glance, private caregivers may appear less expensive. But families frequently encounter unexpected costs:
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Payroll services
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Employer taxes
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Workers’ comp premiums
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Legal exposure
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Lost wages when care falls through
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Stress managing schedules and compliance
When everything is added up, agency care is often comparable in cost — with far greater peace of mind.
Why More California Families Choose Licensed Home Care
Working with a licensed home care agency provides:
✔ Legal and financial protection
✔ Professionally screened caregivers
✔ Backup staffing
✔ Care coordination
✔ Compliance with California labor laws
✔ Ongoing support for families
Most importantly, it ensures your loved one receives consistent, safe, and compassionate care.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a private caregiver may seem simple — but in California, it places significant legal and administrative responsibility on families.
A licensed home care agency offers structure, accountability, and professional oversight that private arrangements simply cannot match.
When it comes to caring for someone you love, peace of mind matters.
📞 Need Help Navigating Home Care in Southern Riverside County?
If you’re exploring home care options and want guidance tailored to your family’s needs, we’re here to help.
BrightStar Care of Temecula & Lake Elsinore provides licensed, insured, RN-supported in-home care for seniors, veterans, and adults recovering at home.
📱 Call us today at 951-999-9555 to schedule a free in-home assessment.
We’ll walk you through your options — no pressure, just support.