Understanding the Cost of Caregivers

As the demand for the purchasing of private duty home care services grows, families are finding there are several choices. Because many families are paying out of pocket for the services, they often select the cheapest without understanding the consequences. There are three basic types of caregivers; the independent caregiver, the contracted that come through registries or agencies and the employed caregivers through a company. ComForcare is a company that provides employed caregivers.

The independent and contracted caregivers are usually cheaper than the companies with employed caregivers for several reasons. First, you usually are paying these caregivers directly, not the company. Therefore, you have become their employer. This arrangement makes you responsible for federal and state taxes, social security, and unemployment tax. If you or the caregivers are not paying the taxes, the government can sue to obtain the money. Employee caregiving companies eliminate this hassle by paying the taxes on their employees, thus one of the reasons for a higher cost to you.

Another issue is injury on the job, caregiving can often be strenuous work, and employed caregiving companies protect their employees with worker’s compensation, which is required by law. Many consumers believe their homeowner’s policy will protect them, but actually, a homeowner policy often excludes employees in the home. Third, it is wise to ensure that a caregiver is bonded, insured and has undergone a criminal background check. Often this is not the case on their first two types of caregivers. With the independent caregiver who has, done a background check on them? Registries with freelance contracted caregivers often do provide the background checks, but do not bond the caregiver. Caregiving companies that employ their caregivers provide this under their liability insurance. Training, oversight of the caregivers and continuing education is important in providing a highly skilled caregiver.

Caregiving companies that employee their staff, train staff, provide on site observation, and continuously educates them in such areas as infection control, dementia, lifting, and privacy laws. ComForcare Senior Services provides employees who meet these stringent criteria.

For more information, contact Sandra Volk, ComForcare Senior Services. 480-827-2600 Sandra has over 30 years experience in the healthcare field with many of the years in management. Sandra is also a member of the National Private Duty Association. You can also visit our website www.ComForcare.com