Support for the Family

How to figure out if your loved one needs help?

  • Is your loved one unable to manage their own hygiene care?
  • Are you doing their routine homemaking tasks of bills, cleaning, meals and shopping?
  • Has your loved one fallen in the last 12 months due to physical decline?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, it may be time to evaluate your loved one’s living situation.

Know Your Options

Finding a Private Duty Caregiver on Your Own

PROS

  • The cost is lower than an agency.
  • You have the ultimate control when hiring an individual.
  • Flexibility regarding mutually agreed upon duties that the caregiver can manage, based on their experience.
  • Flexibility in scheduling split shifts.

CONS

  • You must do your own background and reference check.
  • You are liable for the safety of the caregiver while working in your home.
  • You will not have a backup if your caregiver calls in sick.
  • The level and skill of your caregiver will vary.
  • Responsibility for benefits, liability, taxes belong to you, as their employer.

Should I choose an Agency?

PROS

  • The Agency provides a trained individual to deliver the care your loved one requires
  • Agency provides worker’s comp, liability and manages worker benefits
  • Replacement on short notice is available

CONS

  • It can be expensive.
  • You may not be able to choose the individual who provides care.
  • You may have different people each shift.
  • The agency will have restrictions on the types of duties the caregiver can perform.

Am I the best person to be the Caregiver?

PROS

  • The Agency provides a trained individual to deliver the care your loved one requires.
  • Agency provides worker’s comp, liability and manages worker benefits.
  • Replacement on short notice is available.

CONS

  • Without the proper training, you may hurt yourself or your loved one
  • No one is available to relieve you when you need a day off
  • If you are employed, acting as a primary caregiver may conflict with your work hours
  • Caring for a loved one can be physically and emotionally draining

These are just a few things to consider when you are deciding whether it’s time to have additional support.

For Additional Resources and Referrals

Please contact the Family Caregiver Support Network

223 South C St., Lompoc, CA 93436

Call us at (805) 875-8875 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.