As your loved one ages, you might notice a decline in ability or mobility that does not necessarily require medical assistance. Instead, a need for non-medical in-home care is necessary in order to manage quality of everyday life. This can involve help with ordinary daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing and eating – or simply providing companionship.The first consideration of most families is whether to get help from an independent caregiver or an agency like BrightStar Care. This can be a difficult decision to navigate for families who face the challenge for the first time.
Private Care
Independent or private caregivers are individuals hired privately and employed directly by the family. As an employer, the family is tasked with finding the care provider and negotiating terms such as pay, time off and schedule. Background checks, license verification, liability insurance, payroll and taxes are also handled by the family member.The family is also charged with finding replacements or filling in when the care provider calls in sick, for example. Although the arrangement can feel customized to the specific loved one’s needs and personality, this approach can be a daunting and time-consuming ongoing task for some families. Home Care
Agency Home Care
Agencies such as BrightStar Care are licensed businesses that employ a team of caregivers and client support services. A wide range of care services is offered from personal care to Alzheimer’s/dementia care. Credentialed nurses or nursing assistants who offer medical care can also be on staff.
Home care agencies are a one-stop shop that brings peace of mind: they handle all of the employer-related tasks, background checks and license verifications. They work with the families to find the best match regarding the caregiver, the schedule and any last-minute fill-ins.
Cost
Because home care agencies handle all the day-to-day responsibilities of providing licensed care staff to clients, they are typically more expensive than private hires, whose pay can very widely based on the individual hired. To determine what is best for your family, it’s important to evaluate cost and how you will finance the care. Websites like https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/ provide free tools and information to help you get started. Or, you can always call us at BrightStar Care Ft. Myers/Naples at 239.396.3025 and speak to one of our helpful staff.