Home Care
Hiring Privately vs. Through an Agency: What Families Don't See
Craigslist caregivers are cheaper per hour. Here's the math, the risk, and the reason most families eventually switch.
We're often the second call families make. The first was a private hire that didn't end well. Here's what we wish more people understood before they start.
The hourly rate isn't the real cost
A private caregiver at $22/hour sounds like a deal compared to an agency at $34/hour. But as the household employer, you're now responsible for: payroll taxes (~10%), workers' comp insurance (~$400–$1,200/year for in-home work), unemployment insurance, and a backup plan when your one caregiver gets the flu.
The fully loaded cost of a private hire is typically $28–$31/hour — close enough to agency rates that the savings shrink fast.
What agencies actually provide
Background checks (most private hires aren't checked thoroughly). Liability and workers' comp coverage. A backup caregiver when yours is sick. Supervision by a care manager who can adjust the plan as needs change. Training in dementia-specific techniques. A documented plan of care that other family members can read.
When a private hire makes sense
If you have a trusted family friend or neighbor who genuinely wants to help and you can manage the employment paperwork, private hire can work — especially for short hours. We've helped families set this up.
What rarely works: hiring a stranger from an online listing for unsupervised overnight care of a vulnerable person. The risk-to-savings ratio is wrong.
When you're ready, we're here.
A free in-home assessment with one of our care managers — no pressure, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about what would actually help.