Caregiver.com published an excellent article by Rona S. Bartelstone, LCSW, BCD, CMC, describing the advantages of working with a home care agency as opposed to the risks and responsibilities of direct-hire:
As the employer, the individual or family paying for the private home health aide would be held liable for any work-related injury that occurs on the job. This can include the cost of all medical expenses and any disability payments that might become applicable.
Since the home-care industry is noted for work-related injuries, this can be a huge risk, especially if the caregiving tasks include lifting, transferring or bathing. There are also risks related to communicable diseases if the aide does not abide by universal precautions that are required by all licensed agency personnel.
Furthermore, the employer retains any liability that arises out of an injury to the person being cared for or any other person on the premises. If the home health aide were to cause an accident, for example, in which other family members suffered any harm or losses, the employer would bear the full responsibility for all costs and compensation.
The article also contains case examples that illustrate these advantages in real-world situations. It makes an excellent, long-form companion to the Alliance’s 4 Reasons to Choose A Home Care Agency brochure, which is always available at no charge.
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