Benefits:

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Consistency: There is a certain sense of security knowing that your care will be provided by the same person, each and every time. This caregiver will get to know you and/or your loved one, including your preferences, needs, skills and personality. That being said, most agencies make great efforts to ensure that there is consistency with the caregiver team. This is a question you can ask during your interview.

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Flexibility: Private caregivers often have greater flexibility in their schedules to accommodate changes in needs on a given day. They may also accept positions without an hourly minimum, for those who require only, occasional care.

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Decreased Regulation: For some, this may be a benefit, and for others a challenge. Private caregivers are not regulated in the same way that agencies are, meaning, they may be able to provide some services that a corporation may not. For example, if you asked your caregiver to stop and drop off your dry-cleaning on their way home, or help clean out your garage, this can be done, if both parties are in agreement. Larger agencies would not be able to accommodate this request, if it was not listed in their services agreement. On the other hand, there is no oversight for private caregivers in terms of compliance or accountability.

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Personal Choice: One of the biggest benefits, is the ability to hand-pick your caregiver. You can consider traits such as personality, specific skill-sets (can be diagnosis-specific), and experience, as you will have the opportunity to interview them first-hand.