For some people, help at home from a paid carer is an option. It might be short term – perhaps for a few weeks while you recover from surgery, or long term – to help you live as independently as possible at home.
If you’re considering hiring a private carer, ask your local council for advice first. They can arrange a needs assessment and suggest local agencies or independent carers to help you with your choice.
They can also advise you on the costs of home care and whether you might qualify for any financial help. For example, some community care programs provide help paying for an attendant if you meet certain criteria. And if you are an ex-serviceperson, you might be eligible for support from Veterans Affairs.
When choosing a home care agency, make sure it’s licensed by your state and has good references. And be sure to ask for details about its workers’ compensation and insurance coverage. Some agencies use an independent contractor model, which means you would be responsible for payroll taxes and withholdings, whereas others treat their caregivers as employees.
If you have any concerns about a particular carer, report them. If the carer is employed by an agency, your concerns will be investigated by that company. If you are paying a private carer directly, you can contact your local authority’s ombudsman (see Which? for advice on how to do this). You can also complain directly to the agency. Private Carers near me