Agency vs Private Hire
Deciding whether to hire a caregiver privately or through an agency involves weighing several factors...
When hiring a private caregiver, the things you’ll need to have in place and plan for are; workers compensation insurance, payroll processing and a plan for making sure there is clear daily task accomplishment. Also, making sure you are not going to be liable should a caregiver get hurt, file for unemployment or sue for labor issues are very important and all part of our consultation process.
We will help you through this process and set up needed policies and services
Pro’s and Cons of Agency and Private Hire
Agency Pros:
- Credentialed Staff: Insured, Bonded and Background checked.
- Ease of Hiring: Agencies handle screening, checks, and onboarding.
- Backup Caregiver: They usually have substitutes available.
- Professional Training: Caregivers often receive training.
- Supervision and Check-ins: Agencies provide oversight and support.
Agency Cons:
- Cost: Agencies typically charge more due to overhead and margins.
Private Hire Pros:
- Lower Cost: Typically more affordable than agencies.
- Flexibility: You get to set the schedule and scope.
- Direct Control: You are in charge of who you hire and how they work.
Private Hire Cons:
- Administrative Tasks: You handle background checks, payroll, etc.
- Responsibility for Insurance: You ensure liability coverage is in place.
- Backup Responsibility: If the caregiver can't come, it's on you to cover it.
- Risk of Finding a Poor Fit: You own the vetting and firing process.