Make Sure You Are An Informed Consumer

There are a variety of ways to get supportive services and it's easy to feel confused and unsure.

Also, there can be differences in costs that are difficult to understand. In many cities throughout the country, there may be dozens of what appear to be similar companies offering non-medical home care and companion services, in addition to people who work independently. It's important to understand all the implications before making any decisions. Yellow Page advertisements or Internet websites can look very impressive.

What You Need To Know.
There are basically two ways to access supportive non-medical services and there are major differences between each one. It's important to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision. The two choices are as follows:

Home Care Agency (Interim HomeStyle Services)
This is a company that employs individuals to provide specific services that help with activities of daily living such as preparing meals, light housework, bathing and companionship. The agency is responsible for taxes, insurance, bonding and worker's compensation (as required by law). Employment is the key word. It carries with it an array of protections. If an employee is sick or goes on vacation, the agency provides another employee to perform the needed services.

Employees receive training depending on their level. A licensed home care agency provides ongoing supervision for their employees. This helps the agency monitor and respond to the changing needs of clients, assuring that the appropriate level/skill of caregiver is assigned and mediating any other issues. The agency conducts background checks according to state law. In many instances the agency is licensed to also provide a higher level of home care (skilled nursing, for example) so the individual does not need to work with more than one company and can access formal payor sources such as Medicare for those other needs.

Independent Contractor
This is a person who is individually hired by either a family member or the person needing help. While this may appear less expensive, there are many "hidden" costs and some significant risks. Whoever hires an independent contractor must pay all appropriate payroll taxes - they are the employer. If the independent contractor is injured on the job, the person who hires the individual is responsible for medical bills and any other expenses. Also, if the independent contractor is sick or goes on vacation, he or she is not obligated to find a replacement. There is no formalized supervision or training program. Unfortunately, there is always the potential for both physical abuse and financial exploitation when work is being done on behalf of a frail and sometimes functionally limited individual. While most individuals who provide care do so out of a desire to help others, there will always be those who see this type of work as an opportunity to take advantage of someone. This becomes especially easy in a private home setting with little or no supervision. Perhaps lower in hourly costs, choosing an independent contractor does not provide the security, trust and assurance most people want for themselves or their loved ones.

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