In order to avoid caregiver burnout and provide quality care, it sometimes becomes necessary for family caregivers to seek out respite or supplemental care from a professional caregiver. The quality of care between professional providers can vary greatly. With a little knowledge about the differences in models of home care and by asking important questions, family caregivers who need extra support can choose safe, reliable and trustworthy help.

Understanding Models of Private Duty Home Care

Most private duty providers fall into one of two categories: a registry that uses independent contractors (also known as a referral service or a nursing registry) or an agency. The differences in these two models of home care can have important consequences for the consumer. The key difference comes down to the issue of who employs the caregiver.

Registries act as "matchmaker" services, assigning independent contractors to clients who need home care by matching the client with a care worker from the list of workers registered with them. They don't assume the same responsibility for the worker as someone employing a caregiver. This means that the client is liable for things such as workers compensation, unemployment taxes and social security.

Agencies employ their workers and take full responsibility for the supervision and training of those workers. Agency caregivers should be bonded, insured and licensed. The agency also does the accounting and bookwork, provides the supervision and discipline, carries the insurance and tries to ensure that all shifts are covered.

Private Duty Check List

When seeking home care, there are some important questions that clients should ask of a prospective service provider:

• Who employs the caregiver?
• How long has the agency been providing private duty home care?
• Is there a care professional, who, along with the client and family, develops an individualized plan of care?
• How are emergencies handled after normal business hours?
• How often are caregiver services monitored?
• Does the agency employ a full time nurse, social worker or other qualified professional to make regular visits to the client's home?
• How does the agency screen and select caregivers prior to an assignment?
• Are references checked and criminal background and drug screens conducted on all employees?
• Does the agency manage all payroll and employee related matters and adhere to state and federal guidelines in its employment practices, such as: withholding appropriate taxes, providing workers' compensation and other benefits?
• Do they also use independent contractors? If so, who employs the person and pays the mandated taxes and withholding in this case?

This information is provided for informational purposes only. There is no implied endorsement by the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area or its parent organization, the Capital Area Council of Governments. We do not promote, recommend or endorse any specific organization or product.

When contacting these providers, please mention that you were referred by the Area Agency on Aging.

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BLUEBONNET HOME HEALTH CARE
1005 Main Street
Bastrop, TX 78602

(512) 303-3912

Area served: Bastrop and Fayette Counties

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COMBINED COMMUNITY ACTION, INC.
165 West Austin
Giddings, TX 78642
(979) 540-2993
(800) 314-2266

Area served: Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, Lee, Williamson, and part of Travis Counties

Non-profit homemaker/handyman program which serves people 60 years of age and older:

• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Grocery shopping and errands
• Change light bulbs and air conditioner filters
• Ramp building
• Lawn maintenance
• Respite for caregivers
• Case management

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COMFORT CONNECTION
1200 Conway Dr.
San Marcos, TX 78666
Ph. (512) 392-4663
Toll Free: 1-866-474-645

Area served: Hays county.

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FAMILY ELDERCARE IN-HOME CARE PROGRAM
2210 Hancock Dr.
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 467-6168

Area served: Travis & Williamson Counties.

A private non-profit agency licensed as a personal attendant program.

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HILL COUNTRY COMMUNITY ACTION
PO Box 846
San Saba, TX 76877
(888) 588-9632
(325) 372-5167 Ext. 226

Area served: Llano County, western Burnet County

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HOME HELPERS
12501 Tech Ridge Blvd. #113
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 997-0111

Area served:Williamson County and north Travis County

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OUTREACH HOME SERVICES
505 Huntland Dr., Suite 550
Austin, TX 78719
(800) 635-6150

Area served: Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano Travis and Williamson Counties

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PRACTICAL CARE CONTINUUM
8627 N. Mopac Expy, Suite 230
Austin, TX
(512) 380-9339

Area served: Travis, Williamson, Hays Counties

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SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, INC.
2200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 477-3796 ext. 209

Area served: Travis, Williamson, Hayes Counties

Licensed home health agency providing non-medical personal assistance services since 1972. Non-profit serves people 55+ years and Disabled 18+ years of age.

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SUPPORTS WITHOUT LIMITS
220 W. Hutchison
San Marcos, TX 78666
1-866-421-1775
(512) 396-1406

Area served: Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, and Williamson Counties.

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