Is it better to hire a caregiver through an agency or independently?

Hiring independently can cost less per hour, but you become responsible for screening, taxes, insurance, supervision, and backup coverage. A reputable agency handles vetting, payroll, insurance, oversight, and continuity — usually worth it for reliability and peace of mind.

What should I check before hiring a home care provider?

Verify how caregivers are screened and background-checked, whether they are W-2 employees, whether the provider is insured and bonded, how caregivers are trained and supervised, what the backup-coverage plan is, and whether care is personalized and reviewed over time.

Are home caregivers insured?

With a reputable agency, caregivers are typically covered by the agency's liability insurance and bonding, and W-2 employees are covered by workers' compensation. If you hire independently, that responsibility usually falls to you. Always confirm insurance and bonding directly.

Care Basics

How to choose a home care provider

Reviewed for service accuracy by Haven Grove Home Care · Last reviewed: July 30, 2026 · Editorial standards

Choosing who comes into your loved one's home is one of the most important decisions a family makes. Here's how to compare providers with confidence.

In short: the safest choice is usually a reputable agency that employs its caregivers (W-2), screens and trains them, carries insurance and bonding, provides supervision, and guarantees backup coverage — and that welcomes every question you ask.

Agency vs. independent caregiver

Agency vs. independently hired caregiver
Consideration	Reputable agency	Independent hire
Screening & background checks	Handled by the agency	Your responsibility
Insurance, bonding, workers' comp	Carried by the agency	Often falls to you
Taxes & payroll	Managed for you	You may be the employer
Backup if caregiver is out	Agency arranges coverage	You scramble
Supervision & oversight	Ongoing	None built in
Hourly cost	Higher	Often lower

Independent hiring can cost less per hour, but the family takes on real risk and work. An agency trades a higher rate for vetting, protection, oversight, and reliability.

Employee vs. contractor — why it matters

Ask whether caregivers are W-2 employees or independent contractors. Employees are typically covered by the agency's insurance, payroll taxes, workers' compensation, and supervision — an important protection for your family if an injury or issue ever occurs.

What to verify with any provider

Screening & background checks — how caregivers are vetted before hire
Insurance & bonding — protection if something goes wrong
Training — how caregivers are prepared and kept current
Supervision — who oversees care and checks quality
Backup coverage — what happens if a caregiver is sick
Continuity — will your loved one see the same caregiver?
Personalized care plans — is care tailored and reviewed over time?

See how Haven Grove approaches each of these in our Trust Center — including caregiver screening and background checks.

Red flags to watch for

Be cautious of vague answers about screening or insurance, no clear supervision, no backup plan, pressure to sign long contracts, or reluctance to provide references. Trustworthy providers welcome your questions — hesitation is itself an answer.

Choosing well in Central Ohio

Ask providers which communities they actually serve and how quickly they can start. Haven Grove serves Columbus and communities including Dublin, New Albany, Upper Arlington, and Westerville — see all service areas. The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) is also a helpful, unbiased local starting point.

Your next step

Bring our questions to ask before hiring to every conversation. When you're ready, we'll answer all of them honestly.

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