If you’re exploring in-home care for a loved one, you’ve likely come across the term “independent caregiver” or “private caregiver.” But what exactly does a private caregiver do, and how does this role differ from other in-home care options?

This guide will break down the responsibilities, benefits, and practical considerations of hiring an independent caregiver, so you can make the best decision for your family’s needs.

What Is an Independent (Private) Caregiver?

An independent caregiver—sometimes called a private caregiver—is an individual you hire directly (not through a traditional agency) to provide in-home care for an older adult or someone with special needs. These caregivers offer a wide range of non-medical support, from personal care to companionship, all within the comfort of your loved one’s home.

Unlike agency caregivers, private caregivers are employed directly by the family, giving you more control over the selection process, scheduling, and the type of care provided.

Core Responsibilities of an Independent Caregiver

Private caregivers are the backbone of in-home care, providing essential support that helps seniors maintain independence and quality of life. Here’s what you can expect from a private caregiver:

1. Personal Care Assistance

• Bathing, dressing, and grooming: Helping with activities of daily living (ADLs) to ensure personal hygiene and comfort.

• Mobility support: Assisting with walking, transferring from bed to chair, and using mobility aids.

• Toileting and incontinence care: Providing dignified support for bathroom needs.

2. Companionship and Emotional Support

• Social interaction: Engaging in conversation, playing games, or accompanying your loved one on outings to reduce loneliness and isolation.

• Emotional reassurance: Building a trusting relationship that supports mental and emotional well-being.

3. Medication Reminders

• Ensuring medications are taken on schedule: While private caregivers do not administer injections or perform medical tasks, they can remind and assist with oral medications as prescribed.

4. Household Support

• Light housekeeping: Keeping the living environment clean and safe by doing laundry, dishes, and tidying up.

• Meal preparation: Planning and preparing nutritious meals, accommodating dietary restrictions or preferences.

• Errands and shopping: Grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, and running other essential errands.

5. Transportation

• Driving to appointments: Taking your loved one to medical visits, social events, or community activities, which many agencies do not allow their caregivers to do.

How Does a Private Caregiver Differ from an Agency Caregiver?

Understanding the differences between private caregivers and agency caregivers is crucial for families considering their in-home care options.

Benefits of Hiring an Independent Caregiver

Families often choose private caregivers for several compelling reasons:

• Personalized, one-on-one care: Services are tailored to your loved one’s unique needs and preferences.

• Flexibility: You set the schedule and can adjust care as needs change.

• Cost savings: Without agency markups, private caregivers are often more affordable.

• Consistency: Building a relationship with the same caregiver can improve emotional well-being and trust.

Clara, for example, acts as a facilitator to help families find and manage private caregivers, handling payroll, taxes, and insurance so you can focus on your loved one’s care.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits are significant, hiring an independent caregiver comes with important responsibilities:

• Administrative burden: Families become the employer, responsible for payroll, taxes, and compliance with labor laws.

• Insurance and liability: You must ensure proper insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation and liability insurance, to protect against accidents or injuries.

• Backup care: If your caregiver is unavailable, you’ll need a plan for substitute coverage.

• Vetting and background checks: It’s up to you to verify references, conduct background checks, and ensure the caregiver is qualified and trustworthy.

Clara can help families navigate these challenges by providing vetted caregivers and managing the administrative side, offering a hybrid approach that combines the flexibility of private care with the support of an agency.

What to Look for in a Private Caregiver

When hiring a private caregiver for in-home care, consider these key qualities and steps:

• Experience and training: Look for caregivers with relevant experience and, if needed, specialized training (e.g., dementia care).

• References and background checks: Always check references and run background checks for safety.

• Clear contract: Draft a written agreement outlining duties, pay, schedule, and expectations.

• Communication skills: Choose someone who communicates well with both the care recipient and family members.

• Reliability and flexibility: Your caregiver should be dependable and able to adapt as needs change.

You can read our short guide to interviewing a caregiver here.

How Clara Makes In-Home Care Easier

Clara is dedicated to making in-home care accessible, safe, and stress-free for families. As a facilitator, Clara connects you with qualified, vetted private caregivers and manages the administrative details—payroll, taxes, and insurance—so you can focus on what matters most: your loved one’s well-being.

Clara’s approach combines the best of both worlds: the flexibility and cost savings of private caregiving with the peace of mind and support structure of an agency. Families benefit from personalized matching, emergency backup, and ongoing support, all while maintaining control over their care experience.

Conclusion: Is a Private Caregiver Right for Your Family?

Choosing in-home care is a deeply personal decision. Private caregivers offer a flexible, cost-effective, and highly personalized alternative to traditional agency care, but they also require families to take on more responsibility. If you want the benefits of private caregiving without the administrative headaches, Clara can help you find the right caregiver and handle the details, so your loved one receives the best possible care at home.

Ready to learn more or get started? Reach out to Clara today to discuss your family’s needs and discover how in-home care with a private caregiver can make all the difference.