Why Choose Wolfmates Over Independent Caregivers?
Independent vs. Agency Caregivers
Families often face the decision of hiring an independent in-home caregiver or working with a licensed agency like Wolfmates. While non-agency caregivers typically charge less per hour, they come with certain unknowns and risks. Unlike agencies that vet, insure, and train their caregivers, independent caregivers answer only to the family. This means that the person who hires them becomes their employer, taking on responsibilities such as:
Withholding taxes
Providing W2s at the end of each year
Filing taxes
Managing personnel issues
Overseeing the parent’s care
Finding backup caregivers for sick days, vacations, etc.
Adhering to employment and tax laws
Providing worker’s compensation insurance
Families with loved ones in home care situations already have enough to worry about without the additional burden of being an employer. This is precisely why agencies like Wolfmates exist.
Benefits of Choosing Wolfmates
Reliable Backup Care
Imagine your parent, who is in the early stages of dementia, has a caregiver scheduled to arrive at 8:30 am. One morning, you receive a call at 8 am from the caregiver canceling the scheduled appointment. You live an hour away and have an important meeting you can’t miss. If you are the caregiver’s employer, you would need to scramble to find someone else or miss your meeting. This situation could repeat itself when the caregiver is sick, on vacation, etc.
With Wolfmates, you won’t receive that call. Instead:
The caregiver calls us, and we find a replacement to meet with your parent.
Your parent receives the same level of care he/she is accustomed to.
We are notified when the caregiver arrives, what tasks they perform, and when they leave your parent’s home.
We update her regular caregiver on what occurred during their absence.
You can attend to your responsibilities while we take care of your parent’s immediate needs.
Preventing Property Theft
Property theft is another issue that can arise with independently hired caregivers. One story that truly highlights the significance of Wolfmates is Mike’s experience. When his father, Pete, became forgetful, a neighbor suggested hiring a local young man as a caregiver. Unfortunately, a few months later, Mike discovered many valuable items missing during a visit. The caregiver claimed to have stored them in the attic, but they were never found. Mike had to fire the caregiver, contact the police, and urgently seek a replacement.
That's when Mike turned to Wolfmates. Within a few days, we provided a qualified and trustworthy caregiver. Now, Mike feels confident that his dad is safe and his belongings are secure. Wolfmates ensures peace of mind with professional and reliable care.
The Cost Factor
While hiring an independent caregiver may be less expensive, the potential risks and additional responsibilities can outweigh the cost savings. Agencies like Wolfmates may charge more, but we offer numerous benefits, including:
Thorough vetting and background checks
Insurance coverage
Training for caregivers
Reliable backup care
Professional management of care plans
Wolfmates is based in Pennsylvania.
Contact Wolfmates
Find out how Wolfmates can simplify your life and give your loved one the independence they want. We can be reached at (307) GET-WOLF, via email at info@wolfmates.com.
