Paid help & respite
How to hire home care (agency vs independent)
Hiring help is a lever. This page explains the difference between agency and independent aides and what to ask before you commit.
Quick checklist
- Agency = screened staff + backup coverage, higher cost.
- Independent = potentially cheaper, but you manage hiring/payroll/backup.
- Ask for a written care plan and clear schedule expectations.
- Start small (2–4 hours/week) to test fit.
Questions to ask
- What tasks will they do (ADLs, meals, errands, supervision)?
- Who is responsible for training, documentation, and backups?
- What is the hourly rate and cancellation policy?
- How do you handle emergencies or no-shows?
Do not do
- Don’t hand over finances or legal access without safeguards.
- Don’t assume “companionship” includes medical tasks.