We've been through 5 agencies so won't waste any more time with them. They make grand promises they can't deliver because the person they send says "I don't sweep or do dishes" or they sit and look at their phone. One took a 25 min break after her first 2 hours and then left an hour early in what was to be only a 4 hr shift!
So, I went to Care.com. What a joke! The applicants only post a couple of sentences that sound like Miss America contestants: "I love helping people".
Most of them have only a high school education but list their salary expectation as $15-$30/hr, which is nuts here in the south. And the profile pics look like something they'd send their boyfriend, not post for a job! Kissy faces? really?! Those under 28 and over 55 had a better presentation, but were unable to answer questions or follow instructions. I asked 5 of them for a resume' and got nothing back but questions that showed NONE of them read the job description I wrote. One woman sent only the names of two men as references without telling me who they are or what her full name is. Am I supposed to call John Smith and say " Hi, you don't know me but a woman named Becky gave me your number". He probably knows 9 females named Becky and will think I'm nuts.
The caregivers were all vetted with background checks, fingerprinted, had their flu shots, were tested for TB, etc. Some were brand new on the job, others were highly experienced.
The Agency was strict when it came to being on time. And if a caregiver was unable to make his/her shift, the Agency found a replacement. A caregiver could not leave his/her shift UNTIL the next caregiver showed up.
My Dad didn't mind the caregiver being on their cellphones or laptops especially if he had been napping. Caregiving can be hard work, especially if the client needs help with getting out of bed, showering, dressing, walking, etc.
The Agency Rep came to interview me about my Dad, his likes and dislikes, meds, etc. In turn I was also interviewing the Rep. She explained what is required by the caregivers. Light housekeeping was on the contract.
There was a 3-ring binder for the caregivers to write in to let the new shift know what they did, what they had served Dad for a meal, and how Dad was feeling. That help eliminate duplication if the rugs had already been vacuumed and the bedding changed.
If you do hire a non-Agency caregiver, please note you will need to contact your homeowner's insurance carrier to obtain a "workman's comp" policy, this policy comes into play if a caregiver should get hurt on the job.
Just to clarify, I expect to pay more for an agency, but not for an individual who gets 100% of the money. That's especially true when that individual has no medical training or experience other than volunteering at a nursing home in high school or having helped take care of their own grandparent, which is both vague and unverifiable.
Here's what I did instead. I checked for local care giver companies, such as Home Care Companions. Then I talk to others using such services and see if they recommend them or not. Also, talk to a social worker at a local senior center. He or she will usually have all sort of information available to make your search easier.
There are some professional independent caregivers as well. Always ask for references and make sure to talk to others who have employed the caregiver.
Good luck.