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My parents live with me and both have dementia with other health issues. I hired an agency for in-home care assistance for 12 hours a day. The agency sends someone different pretty regularly which is frustrating, and there are some other reasons that make me wonder if there is better care available for hire. Do you prefer an agency or an individual, and why?

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We used caregivers from a licensed Agency and that worked out great. Now, at the beginning, there were different caregivers for a few weeks. Then I asked my Dad which caregivers did he really like.

So we were able to have the Agency schedule the same people on a regular basis. You need to ask for the same person. It is worth the wait for someone super good to "retire" from another client and be open to a regular for your parents.

Yes, it can be frustrating to have a new caregiver every day. As we all know, elders need a routine, and it makes it easier for them to know that "Connie" will be coming M-F, and "Betty" will be there for the weekends.

For me, it was worth the cost of an Agency, as they are licensed, bonded, had workman's comp, benefits for their employees. Plus, if a caregiver is scheduled for vacation or calls out sick, the Agency will work hard to find a temporary replacement.

If you hire an independent-contractor who doesn't work for an Agency, please note you would need to place a "workman's comp" rider on your home insurance. Plus, who would replace her if she is out sick, etc.?  Also, all caregivers need to have their flu shot, and annual TB tests. 
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We used a small local agency for my dad, and they were very reliable. If our regular gal could not come, the owner came with the replacement and made sure everything was fine before she left. They made sure our regular gal was a good fit, and both Mom and Dad loved her. Plus everything was taken care of leagaly. My FIL now uses the same agency for his care.
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