Finding the right caregiver for your loved one isn’t just about hiring help—it’s about trust, comfort, and ensuring they get the best care possible.
For many families, the choice comes down to two paths: hiring an independent caregiver or working with a caregiving agency. Each has its advantages and challenges, and the right decision depends on what matters most to you.
But what if there was a way to get the best of both worlds? Before we get to that, let’s break down the two traditional options so you can make the best choice for your family.
Independent Care: More Personalization, More Responsibility
Hiring an independent caregiver offers a high level of control and customization. Families can personally select a caregiver whose personality, skills, and experience align with their needs, fostering a strong bond and a more individualized approach to care. Because there are no agency fees, this option is often more cost-effective while allowing caregivers to earn a competitive wage. Independent caregivers typically charge between $25 and $35 per hour, depending on their experience and location. However, families must handle background checks, scheduling, payroll, and insurance, which can add to the complexity.
However, this flexibility comes with added responsibility. Families who hire independently take on the role of an employer, meaning they are responsible for managing payroll, taxes, and legal compliance. This includes handling Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes, as well as ensuring adherence to labor laws. It can be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring careful record-keeping and familiarity with employment regulations.
There are also liability concerns. If a caregiver is injured on the job, the family may be responsible for workers’ compensation and other legal matters. Additionally, without an agency’s structured training programs, the caregiver’s qualifications and skills vary, depending on their background and personal experience. Families must conduct thorough background checks, verify references, and assess the caregiver’s capabilities themselves.
Another challenge is continuity of care. If the caregiver is sick, takes a vacation, or suddenly leaves the job, it falls on the family to find a suitable replacement, which can be difficult on short notice.
For families who want full control over the hiring process and are comfortable with the added responsibilities, independent care can be a rewarding and cost-effective choice. However, it requires significant effort to manage the administrative, legal, and logistical aspects of employment.
Caregiving Agencies: Convenience and Support, But Less Flexibility
For families who prefer a hands-off approach, caregiving agencies offer a structured and hassle-free solution. Agencies handle the hiring process, background checks, training, payroll, and legal compliance, allowing families to focus solely on their loved one’s well-being.
One of the biggest advantages of an agency is reliability. If the assigned caregiver is unavailable, the agency provides a replacement, ensuring there is always someone to assist with care. This built-in backup system is particularly valuable for families who need consistency and cannot afford gaps in caregiving services.
Agencies also provide structured training and ongoing supervision, ensuring caregivers meet specific standards of professionalism and competence. Many agencies require their employees to undergo specialized training in areas such as dementia care, fall prevention, and emergency response, providing an added layer of expertise.
However, this convenience comes with drawbacks. Hiring through an agency provides peace of mind with pre-screened caregivers, backup care options, and liability coverage. Agency caregivers typically cost between $45 and $65 per hour, but this price includes administrative support, training, and quality oversight. For families looking for a hassle-free experience, the higher cost may be worth the added security and reliability.
The cost make this option less affordable for many families. Additionally, families have less control over the selection process, as agencies assign caregivers based on availability rather than allowing families to personally choose the best fit.
Another common concern is caregiver turnover. In 2023, the average turnover rate for caregiving agencies was 80%, marking a significant challenge for families seeking consistency in care. The median turnover rate for professional caregivers rose from 77.1% in 2022 to 79.2% in 2023, according to the 2024 Activated Insights Benchmarking Report (formerly Home Care Pulse). This is the highest turnover rate since 2018, when it peaked at 81.6%.
Even more concerning, nearly four out of five caregivers leave within their first 100 days on the job. This staggering statistic highlights the ongoing struggle agencies face in recruiting and retaining caregivers—a challenge that has persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic. For families, this high turnover means frequent disruptions in care, making it difficult for loved ones to build trusted relationships with their caregivers.
For families looking for a structured and stress-free caregiving experience with built-in reliability, agency care is a strong option. However, it can be expensive, less flexible, and sometimes impersonal due to the rotation of caregivers.
A Better Alternative: The Best of Both Worlds
Many families find themselves torn between the affordability and personalization of independent care and the security and convenience of an agency. Kizuna was created to bridge this gap, offering a caregiving model that blends the benefits of both approaches without the downsides.
Kizuna allows families to personally choose their caregiver while eliminating the burdens of employment responsibilities. Unlike traditional independent hiring, Kizuna takes care of background checks, vetting, and all necessary legal compliance, ensuring that families receive a qualified and trustworthy professional without having to navigate the complexities of payroll and taxes.
Another advantage is liability protection. Kizuna provides insurance coverage, reducing the financial risks associated with hiring an independent caregiver. Families don’t have to worry about handling workplace injuries or unexpected legal issues.
What sets Kizuna apart is its ability to provide high-quality care at a lower cost than traditional agencies. Unlike agencies that accept a wide range of applicants, Kizuna maintains strict quality standards, accepting fewer than 10% of caregivers who apply. On average, our caregivers have 15 years of experience, ensuring they bring deep expertise and reliability to families.
Credentials also matter. At Kizuna, 20% of our caregivers are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), while 50% hold Home Care Aide (HCA) certifications, providing families with well-trained professionals. Despite this level of expertise, our pricing remains competitive—starting at just $25 per hour, significantly lower than traditional agency rates, which often begin at $45 per hour. This model allows families to access top-tier caregivers at a more affordable rate while still benefiting from structured support, background checks, payroll management, and liability coverage. By ensuring caregivers are well-compensated and supported, Kizuna creates a better experience for both families and care providers.
Kizuna also helps in case you need backup care, ensuring families are never left without care in the event of an emergency, illness, or scheduling conflict. This means families get the personalized experience of independent care with the reliability and support of an agency.
By combining the best aspects of both caregiving models, Kizuna offers a solution that is flexible, secure, and cost-effective. It provides families with peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are in capable and compassionate hands—without the stress of managing the employment process or paying excessive fees for agency services.
What This Means for Families
- If you want full control and lower costs but are comfortable handling employment responsibilities, independent hiring might work best.
- If you prefer a hassle-free process and guaranteed backup care, an agency may be a better fit, though it comes at a higher cost with less flexibility.
- If you’re looking for the personalization of independent care with the reliability and support of an agency—without the high costs—Kizuna offers the perfect balance.
If you’re unsure which option is best, we’re here to help. Reach out today, and we’ll guide you to the best care solution for your family.
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