In Home Help (non medical)
This information is provided for informational purposes only. There is no implied endorsement by the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area or its parent organization, the Capital Area Council of Governments. We do not promote, recommend or endorse any specific organization or product.
Company/Service Area by County
Blue Bonnet Home Health Care
(512) 303-3912 or
Toll free 1-800-914-9018
1005 Main Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
Bastrop & Fayette Counties
Combined Community Action
(979) 540-2993 or
Toll free 1-800-314-2266
165 W. Austin
Giddings, TX 78941
Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, Lee
Limited: Travis, Williamson
Family Eldercare
(512) 450-0844
1700 Rutherford Lane
Austin, TX 7875
Travis only
Excluding zip codes:
78747, 78748, 78749, 78759
H.A.N.D.
(Helping the Aging, Needy & Disabled)
(512) 477-3796
1640-B East 2nd
Austin, TX 78756
Travis, Williamson, and Hays
Life Made Easy
(512) 459-5631
5555 N. Lamar Blvd. Ste. E-121
Austin, TX 78751
Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Llano, Travis, Williamson
(All counties except Lee)
Outreach
512/835-6150 or
Toll Free 1-800-635-6150
505 E. Huntland Dr. Suite 550
Austin, TX 78752
Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano Travis and Williamson Counties
Practical Care Continuum
(512) 380-9339
8627 N. Mopac Expwy. Ste. 230
Austin, TX 78759
Travis, Williamson, and Hays
Rescare Homecare
(512) 396-1406 or
Toll Free 1-866-421-1775
220 W. Hutchison
San Marcos, TX 78666
Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell
This list of providers is limited to Nonprofit agencies in our service area and vendors who serve our clients. Because rates and services provided can change, contact the providers for their service and rate information.
When contacting these providers, please mention that you were referred by the Area Agency on Aging.
Understanding Models of Private Duty Home Care
In order to avoid caregiver burnout and provide quality care, it sometimes becomes necessary for family caregivers to seek out respite or supplemental care from a professional caregiver. The quality of care between professional providers can vary greatly. With a little knowledge about the differences in models of home care and by asking important questions, family caregivers who need extra support can choose safe, reliable and trustworthy help.
Most private duty providers fall into one of two categories: a registry that uses independent contractors (also known as a referral service or a nursing registry) or an agency. The differences in these two models of home care can have important consequences for the consumer. The key difference comes down to the issue of who employs the caregiver.
Registries act as "matchmaker" services, assigning independent contractors to clients who need home care by matching the client with a care worker from the list of workers registered with them. They don't assume the same responsibility for the worker as someone employing a caregiver. This means that the client is liable for things such as workers compensation, unemployment taxes and social security.
Agencies employ their workers and take full responsibility for the supervision and training of those workers. Agency caregivers should be bonded, insured and licensed. The agency also does the accounting and bookwork, provides the supervision and discipline, carries the insurance and tries to ensure that all shifts are covered.
Private Duty Check List
When seeking home care, there are some important questions that clients should ask of a prospective service provider:
~ Who employs the caregiver?
~ How long has the agency been providing private duty home care?
~ Is there a care professional, who, along with the client and family, develops an individualized plan of care?
~ How are emergencies handled after normal business hours?
~ How often are caregiver services monitored?
~ Does the agency employ a full time nurse, social worker or other qualified professional to make regular
visits to the client's home?
~ How does the agency screen and select caregivers prior to an assignment?
~ Are references checked and criminal background and drug screens conducted on all employees?
~ Does the agency manage all payroll and employee related matters and adhere to state and federal
guidelines in its employment practices, such as: withholding appropriate taxes, providing workers'
compensation and other benefits?
~ Do they also use independent contractors? If so, who employs the person and pays the mandated
taxes and withholding in this case?
Registry for Personal Attendants:
For information about individuals seeking work as personal attendants, or to register as a prospective individual employer for a personal attendant, this link to the unaffiliated web site of attendantnetwork.org is provided for convenience.
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