Benefits and Disadvantages of Hiring and Using Agency Caregivers

Jul 15, 2011
Mary King

Agency Caregiver Applicants Must Consent to Background Checks and Drug Testing - bpsusf

A family who plans to hire additional help with patient care can save time, energy & stress by learning the pros & cons of using a caregiver agency.

Hiring a paid caregiver is a business venture usually performed by a primary caregiver or other family member. Start by consulting with the patient's physician or healthcare provider to determine what kind of care-giving is needed. Next, determine a budget; don't forget to check the patient's insurance policy to see if it covers caregiver services. Finally, weigh the pros and cons of agency caregivers before making a choice.

Questions Concerning Caregiver Agencies

Caregiver agencies are required by law to meet certain state requirements for hiring employees. Background checks by law enforcement agencies and drug testing are two of the most common caregiver applicant requirements. An agency can set up service over the phone, but it's a good idea to check out the company in person. Is the office neat and the staff efficient? Is the agency licensed with the state and is the license up-to-date?

Here are a few necessary, important questions to ask before hiring an agency caregiver:

Does the agency employ the type of caregiver you need? Some places offer only sitters and companion care – no good if you need someone to do medical treatments like wound care, for example.
If calling by phone, is the staff helpful, friendly and willing to answer all your questions?
Ask about employee background checks. Is it a local check or nationwide?
Does the agency employ experienced people or newcomers to care-giving?
How much training do new employees get before going out on the job?
What are the guidelines for what each type of caregiver will do and not do?
What is the protocol when a caregiver doesn't show up for work?

The Benefits of Using an Agency Caregiver

An agency caregiver works for a company and has to abide by its rules and regulations if she (or he) wants to stay employed. There's a manager or administration to handle customer complaints. If a client doesn't like the caregiver sent by the agency (some people just don't get along), then there's usually someone to take her place. What other benefits does a caregiver agency offer?

The caregiver is representing the agency and is required to dress appropriately and present a professional image.
Agencies have already set guidelines for what jobs their caregivers will do and will not do.
The agency takes care of scheduling and paying its employees.
A caregiver who is frequently late or absent can easily be replaced.

Disadvantages of Using Agency Caregivers

Agency caregivers may not all have the same level of expertise when it comes to illnesses, conditions, diseases and injuries. It may be up to the family to explain any details that the caregiver needs to know. If the patient is consistently difficult to manage or is prone to violent behavior, then the agency has the option to refuse service.

There are a few common disadvantages that come with using an agency caregiver:

An agency's impressive ad in the phone book may state that their caregivers work 24/7, 365 days a year, but don't count on holiday help. The primary caregiver or family should always have a Plan B, just in case.
Though agency workers are screened, people can and do change – sometimes it's for the worse. Confront any issues immediately by notifying agency administration.
The same caregiver may not be available all the time. This is especially hard on Alzheimer's patients when a different person comes every day. It's hard on primary caregivers who have to repeatedly "break in" someone new.

If you've chosen a caregiver agency, then check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area to see what kind of rating the agency has. This is a good way to find out if there have been any consumer complaints against the business. There are benefits and disadvantages to using an agency caregiver; it's up to the individual to decide if agency help is the right move. Do plenty of research ahead of time and weigh the facts before making a choice.