Cleaning the house. Preparing meals. Getting groceries. Is accomplishing daily household activities becoming a challenge for you or a loved one? Even bathing and dressing, without someone nearby to assist, can be worrisome.
We often turn to family members to help with care needs. However, sometimes that can be burdensome or even impossible. Outside support may be the answer, but how do you determine the best options?
There are many home care providers to choose from. Comparing the options is an important step to making a decision that best fits your needs.
Use this chart to guide your decision. Designed to help you compare the various forms of care available, it will help you reach an informed conclusion. The table illustrates the differences between three common forms of caregiving options:
- Home care agencies
- Employment agencies
- Privately hiring a caregiver
| Home Care Agency | Employment Agency | Private Hire | |
| Train and supervise staff | Yes | No | No |
| Conduct background checks | Yes | Maybe Not Required |
No |
| Drug screenings | Yes | Maybe Not Required |
No |
| Licensed, bonded, insured | Yes | Maybe Not Required |
No |
| Governed by state regulations | Yes | No | No |
| Withhold employment taxes | Yes | No | No |
| Provide workers compensation coverage | Yes | No | No |
| Insurance and taxes are managed eliminating the liability for the patient or family | Yes | No | No |
In the state of Illinois, all Home Health, Home Care and Home Nursing agencies must be licensed. These standards have been set up to protect seniors that require these types of services. It also serves as a safeguard, because elder abuse is all too common.
Fortunately, there are good options for you to consider. Home and Hearth Caregivers is a full service personal care agency in the greater Chicago metropolitan homes of seniors living in the Chicagoland Area.
Our goal is to provide you with safe, effective affordable care, all while in the familiar comforts of your own home. We deliver personalized service in familiar surroundings with the memories you hold dear.
Contact us to learn more about our home care services or to schedule a free home assessment to determine if home care is right for you.
