What You Should Know About Home Care Services

Many families do not understand the differences in the types of caregivers for hire and the risks involved with having the wrong person in their home. The chart below helps outline your choices and responsibilities. Remember that not every “agency” screens their caregivers the same. This page will help you with questions to ask to ensure you and your family are safely cared for.

Questions to ask when choosing a home care provider:
  • Are you licensed by the Dept. of Social Services?
  • Does your company require a TB test for every employee?
  • Are the caregiver’s employees of your company?
  • Does your company do background checks on all caregivers?
Co-Owners of Care Choice Home Care — San Marcos, CA — Care Choice Home Care
AGENCY
  • Screen, train & supervises staff
  • Caregivers are employees
  • Carry liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and bond caregivers 
  • Best option when having people come into your home 
REGISTRY
  • Caregivers are not employees
  • Do not withhold payroll taxes
  • Do not carry workers’ compensation
  • California law does not require registries to disclose that they are not the employer
PRIVATE HIRE
  • Hired privately by client
  • Clients are responsible for all payroll taxes & worker’s compensation
  • Clients should review IRS laws
  • It is difficult for families to effectively screen caregivers
AGENCY
  • Screen, train & supervises staff
  • Caregivers are employees
  • Carry liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and bond caregivers 
  • Best option when having people come into your home 
REGISTRY
  • Caregivers are not employees
  • Do not withhold payroll taxes
  • Do not carry workers’ compensation
  • California law does not require registries to disclose that they are not the employer
PRIVATE HIRE
  • Hired privately by client
  • Clients are responsible for all payroll taxes & worker’s compensation
  • Clients should review IRS laws
  • It is difficult for families to effectively screen caregivers

Who is Responsible?

HOME CARE AGENCY HOME CARE REGISTRY PRIVATE HIRE
Locate, screen, interview, train Yes Will not train Client responsible
Check employer references Yes Sometimes Client responsible
Verify US work authorization Yes Sometimes Client responsible
Negotiate salary/benefit Yes Yes Client responsible
Determine work schedule Yes Client responsible Client responsible
Supervision of staff Yes Client responsible Client responsible
Caregiver replacement, if needed Yes Yes Client responsible
Worker compensation insurance Yes Client Responsible Client responsible
Employment requirements (social security tax, Medicare tax, unemployment insurance, federal & state tax, bonding, liability insurance. Yes Client Responsible Client responsible