You may also discontinue services at any time after they have begun. However, agencies appreciate at least a week's notice, if possible. You may be asked to sign vouchers that documents the employee's visit or hours work and the tasks completed. Before signing you should review them for accuracy. Advantages of arranging services through an agency may include backup workers when your scheduled worker is unavailable, social security, workers' compensation and insurance paid by the agency for their employees, supervision of the employees and additional services when needed.
Agencies also offer continuing education which is required of most employees.
Also, agencies are the primary means through which consumers can obtain third party payment of services. A consumer may hire an individual directly for services. There are specific licensure requirements for self-employed home care workers. When hiring someone as your own employee, you are responsible for paying all applicable taxes and when hiring someone as an independent contractor, the independent contractor is responsible for paying applicable taxes however, the consumer may still have some Internal Revenue Service responsibilities. Contact the IRS or an accountant knowledgeable in tax law for current information.