Home Care Options for Seniors in Hamilton, ON

Learn about the home care options available to you in Hamilton, ON, and the surrounding area

All home care is not the same.

The primary goal is to ensure that you have the right people around you to look after you. There are numerous home care providers and services to choose from, and it is critical that you select what is best for you.

Typical Home Care Services

In-home caregivers provide a lot of services to make senior’s life better. So that they can have a better life experience. Most of the providers have the following services.

• Companionship and Homemaking  – This can include meal preparation, errands, transportation, light housekeeping, companionship and medication reminders, a variety of other services.
• Providing Personal Care – Personal care services include bathing, grooming and hygiene, and any other services.
• Special Services – Specialized services such as emergency response, live-in care, and oftentimes care for clients with Alzheimer’s and other dementia issues.

Home Care Providers’ Business Structures

The majority of in-home care providers fall into one of three business categories: independent providers, employment-based agencies, and registries. Each handles things differently and makes different points. They differ significantly in terms of how they staff and charge for services, as well as who assumes the role of employer.

Independents/Private Caregivers

The primary benefit of hiring an independent worker is that you do not have to pay them as much as you would for an agency. However, this does not imply that it is the best way. It has advantages and disadvantages; however, because you are hiring an independent keeper, you are now the employer. That means you must be responsible for your employees, the caregivers, employment taxes and deductions.

When it comes to hiring an independent caregiver, security can be a bigger concern. You must ensure that security is taken seriously. It is difficult to leave a loved one with a stranger.

You are also liable for insurance coverage and property damage. When hiring an independent worker, make certain that you conduct a thorough background check. Call the previous family they worked with and inquire about the behavior and their level of trustworthiness.

Employment-Based Agencies

An employment-based agency can be a corporation or a part of a reputed franchise, it is always better to hire someone from these reputed companies. They have their advantages. If you are hiring a home caregiver from a reputed company you can have a lot of perks. The company will do all the background checks.

• The organization takes care of the all-employee paperwork it makes the clients work much more effortless.
• The organization conducts interviews, background information, and reference checks.
• Caregivers receive proper training to make the job more professional.
• The organization verifies the certificates and the other documentation.
• The organization will have a large number of people so you can substitute when your caretaker is not available 

Registries and Placement Agencies

These are the organizations that do not have control over the caregivers. They do more than just manage the workers’ database and provide details when requested. Caregivers are frequently self-employed or freelancers. These organization employees are more akin to matchmaking services. They provide the service despite the fact that they do not have permanent employees.

These registries do have a proper quality registry. They do the background check to those who have it on their directory.

Generally, they do not provide training, if the caregiver cannot perform his or her duties, the registry can provide alternative caregiver solutions.

If you choose an agency to provide an in-home caregiver, make sure you understand:

• Who employs the caregiver?
• Who is responsible for employment tax withholdings?
• What are the different types of background checks they run on the caregiver and the outcome of the checks?
• How the caregiver is paid?
• If there is any type of caregiver oversight?

To know more about your home care options, contact Comfort Keepers Hamilton office for information.