When you or a loved one is in need of a caregiver, there are various considerations to weigh—and none more important than whether to hire a self-employed caregiver or a caregiver from a homecare agency. To better understand the two options, we’ve put together this helpful guide that summarizes the key differences. Self-Employed: These caregivers work independently and usually find clients through word-of-mouth, social media, or matching websites. The management of the care is solely between the caregiver and the client. Agency-Employed: Homecare agencies like Partners in Healthcare are licensed by the state, and the agency directly manages its team of caregivers. After meeting with the client and/or their family, the agency determines a customized plan of care. The oversight of the caregiver/client relationship is primarily through the agency. COMPARING THE OPTIONS Every situation is unique, and some clients will prefer a caregiver that’s self-employed. That being said, there is more accountability, options, and overall peace of mind when using a licensed homecare agency like Partners in Healthcare. While the hourly rates from an agency are higher compared to the self-employed option, it’s because the agency is responsible for numerous crucial items. For example, Partners in Healthcare provides each of the following services: Extensive Screening of All Caregivers: Each caregiver goes through a thorough interview process including checking licenses, references, performing a background check, and health and drug testing. Ongoing Training and Oversight: Partners in Healthcare values keeping its team of caregivers up-to-date with best practices in the homecare industry. Additionally, all caregivers undergo regular performance evaluations. Professionally Accredited: Partners in Healthcare is licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health, is bonded and fully insured, and provides workers’ compensation insurance. Our agency is also a member of the Home Care Association of America and In the Know Caregiver Training, which is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association for high-quality, person-centered dementia training. Customized Plans of Care: We perform a complimentary client assessment to provide a personalized and detailed plan of care to meet specific needs. Clear Expectations and Accountability: Partners in Healthcare provides a service agreement for each client, confirming the services you can expect and count on. All caregivers are directly supervised by the agency’s homecare specialist. Flexibility for Clients: Unlike self-employed caregivers, Partners in Healthcare has on-call coverage 24 hours a day and will work with families to ensure that their needs are always met. Less Paperwork and Stress: Because caregivers are employed by Partners in Healthcare, our agency is responsible for issuing paychecks, withholding taxes, and providing employee benefits. OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER If choosing a self-employed caregiver, it’s important to remember that the client is responsible for drawing up service agreements and resolving any labor disputes. What’s more, there can be an increase in your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to add short-term disability coverage for the caregiver. Clients are also responsible for ensuring that self-employed caregivers are performing their required duties. If any legal disputes arise, the client has the burden of navigating that process on their own. On the other hand, a licensed and trusted homecare agency like Partners in Healthcare is responsible for covering all these items and more. The peace of mind we offer clients and their families cannot be overstated! To learn more about Partners in Healthcare or to request a complimentary client assessment, please call us today at (847) 904-5113 or visit www.partners-healthcare.com

This past year, Partners in Healthcare was thrilled to welcome Erika Rosario as the new Office Coordinator for the private duty home care agency. With over 25 years experience in the healthcare industry, Erika has served as a CNA, activity director, paramedic, as well as in administrative roles dealing with billing and HMO referrals. “Caring for people has always been my passion, and I love working with seniors,” she says. “In my new role, in addition to managing the scheduling and other admin duties, I can assist with the Wellness Clinic and wear my CNA hat. Sharon, Bridget, and the entire team has been amazing.” Erika and her husband are the loving parents of 9 children total from their blended families, and their biggest joy is being “Nana” and “Papa” to their 4-year-old grandson and 4-year-old granddaughter. “And of course, we also love spoiling Sophia, our playful and very affectionate bulldog!” Serving Cook a nd L a ke County, Illinois, P a rtners in He a lthc a re provides comp a ssion a te, experienced a nd reli a ble c a regiver services th a t ensure your loved ones a re supported in their d a y-to-d a y a ctivities— a ll from the comfort of home. To le a rn more a bout our licensed priv a te duty home c a re a gency, ple a se c a ll (847) 904-5113 or visit www.partners-healthcare.com

PICTURED: Vera poses next to the portrait of Alfred Anderson, the first chief executive of the organization.  Bethany Methodist Corporation, a Glenview-based non-profit organization with a 135-year history of providing exceptional senior community living and healthcare, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Vera Lampe as its new CEO effective January 1, 2024. Vera has been a member of the Bethany Methodist management team for 16 years, the last 14 as Executive Director of Chestnut Square at The Glen, the organization’s flagship retirement community in Glenview. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Vera since she first joined the company in 2007, and I can’t think of anyone better prepared to lead us into the next chapter of our story than her,” said Sunny Lopez, who is retiring as CEO after four years in the position and 32 years with the company. "Thanks to Vera's leadership, Chestnut Square has become one of the North Shore's most popular destinations for independent senior living." Jennifer Christy, Chair of the Bethany Methodist Board of Directors, shared her thoughts as well. “Vera will be the eighth CEO of Bethany Methodist since its founding in 1889, and she brings competence, compassion, and an unflinching commitment to our mission. We believe her outstanding leadership, experience and dedication will be invaluable in guiding the organization on our path to a thriving future.” As CEO, Vera will have responsibility for business strategy, business development, operations, and the financial performance of Chestnut Square at The Glen as well as Partners in Healthcare, the organization’s private duty caregiver agency that serves clients throughout the Chicago area. “The heartbeat of our mission has always been the shared sense of community between staff, residents, clients and families,” said Lampe. “This organization has held a special place in my heart for a long time, and I’m honored to be serving in this new role and for the opportunities ahead.”