19 Apr Are Private Aides Better
Than Home Health Aides?
If you’re considering in-home care for yourself or a loved one, you may have come across private aide services and home health aides. Although they are both similar, there are some differences you’ll want to consider before deciding if a private aide is better for your family.
Difference between private aides and home health aides
The biggest difference between a private aide and a home health aide is the fact that private aides don’t work for an agency. They are independent care providers. When you work with a private aide, you will work directly with them instead of having to work through an agency.
There are some benefits to working with a single aide privately. They are often more affordable, since you aren’t paying other fees, like administrative staff at a larger company. In addition, many people find that they can develop a closer relationship with a private aide because they sometimes have fewer patients and they get to work with people they want.
There are some downsides to working with a private aide. Many are unable to work with Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance policies, which means you will have to pay out of pocket. Home healthcare services also ensure employees are experienced and qualified, and they are regularly supervised, which are things you may not get with a private aide. Agencies also perform background checks, drug screenings, maintain ongoing licensures, and carry workers compensation and liability insurances for their aides. A frequently overlooked risk of hiring a private aide is that you become liable for any injury they may sustain while working in you home, as you legally qualify as their employer.
Available services
Private aides and home health aides offer many of the same types of services. They can provide things like appointment services, meal preparation, personal care services, and transportation. However, you have to be very careful hiring a private aide if you require medical services. A private aide should not be allowed to do things like administer medication, provide physical therapy sessions, or take vitals unless they are licensed to do so.
If you want complete peace of mind when receiving home healthcare services, call Life & Health Care at 515-832-4442, or fill out our online form. Our home health aides are licensed, certified, trained, insured, and supervised to provide the highest level of care according to your needs, all while protecting you from assuming any liability in the event that an injury were to occur while working in your home.