A private duty agency is a type of caregiver service that provides help for older adults who have been diagnosed with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, or adults in need of assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) such as meal preparation, personal grooming, and bathing.
Providing care for a loved one is an immense responsibility, both financially and emotionally. When your loved one’s needs become more extensive, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do next. Hiring a private duty agency may give you peace of mind to pursue your own interests while ensuring your loved one is receiving the quality care they deserve in the comfort of their own home.
What are the services offered at a private duty agency?
A private duty agency provider can offer you a wide range of services to help with your daily activities, including:
- Personal care services such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Home health care services such as wound care, medication monitoring, and injections
- Companionship services such as attending events, reading together, or just chatting
- Transportation services such as rides to appointments or grocery shopping trips
- Housekeeping & laundry services so you don’t have to handle the chores on your own
You can also find a private duty agency that will provide you with assistance for specific needs:
- Meal preparation services so you have a nutritious diet even when you’re unable to cook yourself
- Medication reminders so you remember what pills to take when and how often. This is especially important if your prescription dosage changes frequently.
What are the benefits of a private duty agency?
There is no doubt that a private duty agency can offer many benefits to both the caregiver and the client side. A well-run agency will provide dependable, trustworthy, friendly, and professional care with competence and professionalism. All of this comes at no additional cost to you. Here are some of the benefits that come with having a private duty agency:
Personal care
There is nothing better than being able to enjoy each other’s company while still being cared for by someone who knows you very well and is an expert at providing all your needs in a caring manner—such as making sure you have your medication ready if needed, bringing you nutritious meals when needed, giving you excellent personal care including bathing and changing clothes when needed. Helping with any exercises or treatment required from your doctor, or assisting with housekeeping duties such as dusting or polishing silverware when needed. These are just a few personal care services that a private duty agency can provide.
Meal preparation
A private duty agency typically prepares nutritious meals that are portion controlled so that all food requirements are met without overdoing it. They sometimes can prepare meals for specialized diets as well.
Direct Communication
With most agencies, you can contact the private duty agency directly if there is an emergency or need an additional visit. This ensures that your loved one has 24/7 support.
Competitive Pricing
A private duty agency should provide price transparency so that you know what they charge before hiring them. You may also qualify for discounts based on your circumstances, such as financial hardship or private health insurance coverage.
What are the factors to consider before choosing a Private duty agency?
Experience
Is this agency new or established? How long have they been in business? If they have been around for a while, then they likely have more experience working with clients and handling their needs. They may also have a better track record of providing quality care and services.
Reputation
Do customers give positive feedback about this agency? Does it have any complaints against it? These can be both good and bad signs of how the agency operates. The more positive reviews, the better chance that you will receive quality care from them as well as peace of mind knowing that they will be responsive if something goes wrong during your stay.
Services offered
What is the cost per hour and what services are included? Are there any hidden fees or taxes that may add to your bill at the end of your stay? Will you be charged extra for mileage or mileage reimbursement? What types of services do they offer (i.e., companionship, transportation, meal preparation)? How much does each service cost and does it include any other fees?
Conclusion
A private duty agency is a great way of taking care of loved ones while they are still able to be at home. The caregivers from the private duty agency are usually well trained and can take care of the activities of daily living or other responsibilities as needed.
About GreySteps
GreySteps is where you will learn how to find the best senior care options for yourself or loved ones. We provide guides and resources for independent living, long-term acute care hospitals, hospice and other senior care options.