Compare Home Care Services
We provide personalized home care services, ensuring clients live safely and independently, following licensing guidelines.
When choosing personalized home care for a loved one, it can be challenging to assess your options, especially if it’s your first time seeking in-home care. Typically, home care services are provided through three main avenues: Full-Service Home Care Agencies, Employment Agencies, and Private Hire Independent Agency Contractors.
Full-Service Home Care Agencies – These agencies provide the most comprehensive care, managing everything from caregiver wages and employment taxes to unemployment insurance. They also handle the withholding of social security, federal, and state taxes for caregivers, easing the administrative responsibilities for families. Highland Woods Home Services (HWS) is a licensed full-service home care agency in Illinois, serving the Cook, DuPage and Kane County.
Employment Agencies – The services offered by employment agencies can differ widely. Often, they help you find a caregiver but may not be involved beyond that. It’s important to clarify who is responsible for withholding taxes and confirming the caregiver’s work authorization. Additionally, you might need to conduct background checks, verify references, and arrange for liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
Private Hire Independent Agency Contractors – Hiring an independent contractor or caregiver through a private hire arrangement makes you the employer. This means you are responsible for most aspects of hiring and managing the caregiver. Liability typically falls on the hiring party, though it can be negotiated between both parties.
Understanding these options can help you make an informed decision based on the level of involvement and responsibility you’re comfortable with.
