We have found that the size of a company has an influence on the caregiving approach that company offers. A large caregiving agency will often standardize their services to be cost efficient. So customization and flexibility suffer. A smaller agency may have the flexibility, but won't always have the ability to adequately support their staff. Again, the quality of caregiving may suffer.

Ultimately, the decision you make should be based on your personal needs and caregiving requirements. Establish those before you choose a caregiving provider and you will be able to make a wise choice.

The big difference is in liability protection. An agency employs their staff and caregivers as w2 employees. So there is a strong degree of responsibility that the agency must exert with the people they hire and provide to you for caregiving services.

A registry will provide you with an independent contracting caregiver. This lowers the cost, but also the amount of control the caregiving registry has over the caregivers that they provide you. This can expose you to unacceptable risks.

In general, the agency will provide more training and management to their caregivers and staff than a registry, and a registry may offer cost savings.

Look for flexibility and commitment. We all have different needs and it is hard to satisfy those needs with a "one size fits all" offering. Also, it is important to understand the philosophy of a home care agency. Are they overly concerned more about "the numbers" or do they have a "people first" philosophy. We feel that a homecare agency can achieve both through the right balance of process and passion.

There's no place like home. Seniors will feel more comfortable in a familiar surrounding, like their own home. The ability to preserve a sense of independence and control can work wonders in the recovery process. The home serves as a better place to allow for family functions, encouraging visits from adult children and grandchildren.