In California, caregiving agencies are held to strict state regulations designed to protect both clients and caregivers. These requirements ensure that agencies provide safe, reliable, and professional care. Here’s why choosing a licensed caregiving agency is the best decision for your loved one’s well-being—and why it’s worth the investment.
1. Comprehensive Background Checks & Licensing Requirements
California law requires that caregiving agencies conduct Live Scan fingerprinting and background checks on all employees before they are placed in a client’s home. This process screens caregivers for criminal history and ensures that only qualified individuals are entrusted with your loved one's care.
When hiring a private caregiver, families must handle background checks themselves—if they do them at all. Without state-mandated oversight, there is a greater risk of hiring someone with an undisclosed criminal history or an unverified work background.
2. Insurance Coverage & Financial Protection
A major benefit of hiring a caregiving agency is the comprehensive insurance coverage they provide, which includes:
- Liability Insurance – Protects clients and caregivers in case of accidents or injuries.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Covers caregivers if they get hurt on the job, preventing legal or financial liability for the client.
- Bonding – Offers financial protection against potential theft or misconduct.
When families hire a private caregiver, they assume full responsibility for any accidents or damages. Without workers’ compensation insurance, a privately hired caregiver could sue the family for medical expenses if they get injured while providing care.
3. Ongoing Oversight & Support
Caregiving agencies don’t just place caregivers in homes and walk away. They provide ongoing oversight and support to ensure quality care, including:
- Regular check-ins with both the client and caregiver.
- Performance evaluations and supervision by experienced care managers.
- The ability to quickly replace a caregiver if needed.
With a private hire, families are responsible for supervising and managing the caregiver themselves. If problems arise—such as poor performance, scheduling conflicts, or personality mismatches—families must handle these issues without professional support.
4. Professional Training & Standards of Care
Agencies require caregivers to complete training programs that prepare them for the challenges of caregiving. This includes education on:
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
- Proper transfer and mobility assistance techniques.
- Infection control and hygiene best practices.
- Emergency response and first aid.
At Homewatch CareGivers of Folsom, all of our caregivers receive hands-on training from a registered nurse, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care.
A private caregiver’s level of training can vary widely, and families may not know whether the caregiver has the skills necessary to handle complex care situations.
5. Reliability & Peace of Mind
One of the biggest concerns for families is ensuring that their loved one receives consistent, dependable care. With an agency:
- If a caregiver calls out sick, the agency provides a trained replacement.
- There is always someone available to assist with scheduling and care coordination.
- The agency handles payroll, taxes, and employment responsibilities.
With a private caregiver, families are left scrambling to find backup care when needed. Additionally, they must manage payroll, taxes, and other administrative tasks that can quickly become overwhelming.
6. Understanding the Cost Difference
Because of the extensive background checks, insurance coverage, caregiver training, and professional oversight that agencies provide, the cost of hiring a professional caregiving agency is higher than paying a private caregiver directly. However, what you’re paying for is security, reliability, and peace of mind—knowing that your loved one is in the hands of a well-trained, trustworthy professional.
When hiring privately, families may save money upfront, but they take on significant risks and responsibilities, from handling employment taxes to dealing with potential legal and liability issues.
Why We Started Homewatch CareGivers of Folsom
At Homewatch CareGivers of Folsom, we understand how difficult it is to trust someone with your loved one’s care—because we’ve been in your shoes. We are a family-owned and operated business that started when our own family needed to hire a caregiver. We know firsthand the importance of having compassionate, well-trained, and reliable caregivers who treat your loved one like family.
If you’re looking for a trusted partner in caregiving, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your family!
