Caregivers are the lifeblood of homecare services.

Unlike traditional home care services, caregivers are highly trained individuals who have extensive experience with assisting individuals with a variety of health problems that inhibit them from completing essential daily functions such as cooking, eating, bathing and getting dressed. Along with the inability to participate in daily functions, individuals who are often in need of caregivers experience severe cases of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's disease. 

Watching a family member slowly deteriorate from various health conditions can be a quite traumatic and painful experience for both the family as a whole as well as the individual in need of extensive care. Many families do not have the time available in their schedule to spend time with their relative who is in need of care. And in other cases, it can be difficult for families to watch their relatives suffer daily and emotionally- it is too much to handle and they are in desperate need of help. 

Thanks to a variety of private caregivers in Miami and homecare service centers in both on the private and public scale- it has become easier than ever to find qualified and pre-screened caregivers. Private caregivers tend to fall into three distinct categories, volunteer’s, non-medical or skilled caregivers such as certified nursing assistants (CNA’s). All of these designated caregivers have an innate desire to improve the lives of each and every individual they work for. 

Caregivers can be independently sourced through physician referrals, freelance services, contracted out by highly-rated homecare centers. 

While it is virtually impossible to overstate the benefits of hiring a caregiver for your loved one it is important to enter the process with eyes open wide and a realistic view of what caregivers can and cannot do for you and your family. Here we will disclose the various advantages and disadvantages of hiring a private caregiver for your loved one. 

Pro’s:

• Extensive Service List

Experienced private caregivers in Miami will provide an extensive list of services that will make life significantly easier for you and your beloved relative. Caregiving services are often twenty-four seven- there will be no need to worry about your family member being left unattended at any point in time. A few examples of the services caregivers may cover are; bathing, getting dressed and preparing meals. Caregivers will also provide transportation for any errands that need to be completed around the town- this service alone will give the person experiencing homecare a newfound sense of freedom and independence that may have seemed out of reach beforehand. 

• Companionship

Along with providing assistance with daily matters such as cooking and cleaning-private caregivers will provide companionship. For patients with health problems and mental health issues such as Alzheimer's.. Life can seem rather bleak and incredibly isolating. Not every patient who is in need of caregiving services will have the opportunity to see their family, friends and even neighbors after often as they would like to. Caregivers are so much more than highly skilled nurse assistants- they truly care for their patients and want to improve their lives and make them feel valued. 

• Reduction of Stress

Caregivers can relieve significant amounts of stress from family and relatives. For some individuals can be difficult to admit they are struggling to find the time or energy to take care of their relatives. With so many previously established responsibilities- it can be a struggle to take care of family members and themselves.  It is not uncommon for family members to become overwhelmed and experience high levels of stress trying to take care of their family members. Caregivers will provide families time to recuperate and rest from periods of extended care.

Con’s:

While there are numerous benefits associated with the employment of a private caregiver service- there are a few disadvantages that must be addressed before one can make an informed decision and choose a qualified homecare provider. 

• Cost efficiency

While one should never comprise quality care simply because of cost. For many individuals, affordability is the factor that prevents families from hiring highly experienced caregivers to take care of their loved one. The average cost of hiring private caregivers in Miami is twenty to twenty-five dollars an hour for three to seven hours per shift. Private caregiving services are not covered by most health insurance companies- so all associated costs will be solely out of pocket. 

• Extensive Process

Hiring a private caregiver can be an extremely rewarding experience for families and their loved ones- but does not come without its own set of challenges. If you choose to hire a private caregiver- be prepared write a comprehensive job listing, interview several applicants who may or may not be qualified for the intended position. Along with conducting interviews- it will be absolutely necessary to conduct background checks on each and every applicant you are considering for the position. Once you have selected and hired a caregiver, you- the supervisor will be completely liable for any injuries that occur during the caregivers shift and will be responsible for compensating the caregiver in a timely manner. By choosing to hire a caregiver through an agency- you will remove yourself from any and all potential liability that may ensue.

• Backup Plan

When you hire a private caregiver- or in other words- independent contractor. You will need to install a backup plan if your designated becomes ill, takes vacation time or resigns from the position. Caregiving agencies eliminate the stress of needing to find a replacement for your caregiver if there is an unpredictable life situation that occurs- this cannot be said for private caregivers. 

Choosing a caregiver is a very personal decision. Every family has different needs and expectations of the individuals that will be taking care of their loved ones. There are several factors that will impact the final decision that is made when choosing to hire private caregivers in Miami. The most important concept to take away is not the choosing public vs. public- it’s becoming educated on the caregiving process- the benefits and disadvantages and ultimately making the best choice that works for your family and the individual who will be experiencing this care.