You quickly find an in-home caregiver that is a great match, they know what to do, and are consistently available when you need them.
Mostly driven by slick promotion, some agencies may offer services before they have enough experience. Or, they lack the organizational systems that guarantee quality home care experience. They may seem personal and focused on you, but they may not be able to deliver.
Pro Tip: Ask about experience, training, and supervision systems.
Big chains make the promise that they have more caregivers and the highest quality of support, but they struggle to treat you like more than a number, and that may be how their caregivers feel, too. A big reputation doesn't always mean better service.
Pro Tip: Compare their local reviews against their national television ads.
It seems like you could save money by picking your own in-home caregiver, but you have to do the job of an employment agency, payroll clerk, and professional home care trainer and supervisor. It's all left to you, and you don't even have a backup when you need it.
Pro Tip: Consider the HR management, liability, and training that an agency will take care of.
While every business has to make a profit, adding franchise fees and wall-street profits forces many to skimp on quality hiring and support, with services that are more focused on their bottom-line than the care or quality staffing for your loved one.
Pro Tip: Ask about the employment benefits offered to caregivers, or if they are an employee-owned agency.