When a loved one begins needing assistance at home, many El Paso families consider hiring a private caregiver directly. At first glance, this may seem flexible or less expensive. However, few families fully understand the legal, financial, and safety responsibilities involved.
Before making this important decision, it’s critical to understand the difference between hiring privately and working with a licensed home care agency like Comfort Keepers El Paso.
What Happens When You Hire a Private Caregiver?
When you hire privately, you typically become the employer. This responsibility may include:
Payroll & Tax Compliance
Families may be required to:
Withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes
File payroll taxes properly
Issue tax documentation
Failure to comply can result in IRS penalties.
Workers’ Compensation & Liability Exposure
If a privately hired caregiver is injured in your home, you may be financially responsible for medical costs and lost wages.
If allegations of theft, neglect, or disputes arise, families must handle investigations and legal matters independently.
No Backup Coverage
If a caregiver calls out sick, quits unexpectedly, or simply fails to show up, families are left scrambling — often during already stressful situations.
No Professional Oversight
Private caregivers operate without agency supervision. There is typically no structured care plan, ongoing performance monitoring, or quality assurance.
For families managing complex care needs, this can become overwhelming.
The Comfort Keepers Difference in El Paso
Comfort Keepers El Paso is a licensed Personal Assistance Services (PAS) agency regulated by Texas Health and Human Services.
That means we operate under strict compliance standards designed to protect clients and families.
When you choose Comfort Keepers, you receive:
Licensed & Regulated Care
We meet Texas HHS standards for home care services.
Bonded & Insured Caregivers
Workers’ compensation coverage
General liability insurance
Agency bonding protections
Families are not the employer — we are.
Thorough Screening & Background Checks
All caregivers undergo:
Criminal background screening
Reference checks
Structured onboarding and training
Personal Care Services
Unlike many private sitters, we provide hands-on assistance including:
Bathing and grooming
Toileting and incontinence care
Mobility and transfer support
Meal preparation
Light housekeeping
Transportation
Alzheimer’s and dementia care
Care Planning & Supervision
We develop personalized care plans and maintain ongoing oversight to ensure consistency and safety.
Reliable Scheduling & Backup Support
If a caregiver is unavailable, we coordinate coverage — so your loved one is never left without care.
24/7 Live Support
A real person is available at all times for urgent needs or changes in condition.
Cost vs. Risk: What Should You Consider?
While private caregivers may advertise lower hourly rates, families must weigh:
Payroll tax obligations
Insurance exposure
Lack of workers’ compensation
No guaranteed backup
No regulatory oversight
No structured accountability
For short-term or minimal supervision, private arrangements may work.
For ongoing personal care, complex health needs, dementia support, or situations requiring reliability and accountability, working with a licensed agency provides greater protection and peace of mind.
Making the Right Decision for Your Family
Choosing in-home care is one of the most important decisions a family will make.
The goal is not simply affordability — it is safety, dignity, reliability, and professional oversight.
Comfort Keepers El Paso provides structured, licensed, and insured home care services throughout El Paso and surrounding communities.
If you would like to discuss your loved one’s needs and understand your options, we are available 24/7 to provide guidance.
📞 Contact Comfort Keepers El Paso for a confidential consultation.
