5. Private Pay vs Agency: What Caregivers Need to Know

Private caregivers can earn far more and set their own hours, but the trade-off is real: no guaranteed work, no benefits, and the constant question of where the next client is coming from. This episode breaks down the honest pros and cons of going private versus working for an agency or facility, with two caregivers who have lived both sides of it.Host Lindsay of Finding Home Care and caregiver Caro talk through why private pay wins on wages and flexibility, why agencies still offer the security and training new caregivers need, and where the money actually goes when a family pays $50 an hour. Lindsay also shares the six-year Parkinson's case that shaped how she sees the work, plus practical advice for anyone wondering how to break into caregiving without getting in over their head.00:00 Intro: Private Pay vs Agency Work00:53 The Security Trade-Off of Going Private02:48 Pros and Cons, Side by Side03:21 Advice for New Caregivers04:29 Caro's Path from Agency to Private Care05:35 Lindsay's Six-Year Parkinson's Journey06:31 Getting Started: Care.com, CNAs, and Wages08:11 Wrap-Up and Finding Home CarePrivate care pays more and gives caregivers control over their own schedule, but comes with no guaranteed hours, no PTO or benefits, and the stress of always lining up the next client.Agencies handle payroll, taxes, training, and backup coverage, which is why many caregivers value the security, but the overhead means a big cut. A family might pay $50 an hour while the caregiver takes home $16 on a W2.New caregivers are better off starting as a companion or inside a facility, where the hands-on training is built in, before taking on complex private clients.A CNA license mainly matters if you plan to pursue LVN or RN. Skilled caregivers can earn wages comparable to a CNA based on knowledge and skill alone.Finding Home Care advocates for caregiver wages of $25 to $30 an hour and focuses on consistent, long-term placements between caregivers and families.Client needs evolve over time. Lindsay's longest case started as light companion care and shifted over six years into full non-mobile dementia care."Honestly, I prefer private. The pay is so much better. I get to be in charge of my schedule, especially as a mother." — Caro"If someone's going to come into that caregiving realm, I would say be a companion first, or go into a facility, because you're going to have training right there." — Lindsay"Taking a risk on being private means you need to be a hustler." — Lindsay"You can be an incredible caregiver and get paid just as much as a CNA for your knowledge and skill set." — Lindsay"Every client is new experiences, every family. It's just been years of experience." — CaroIf this episode helped, follow Unfilter Caregiver so you never miss a new one, leave a rating and review, and share it with a caregiver or family who needs to hear it.Have a question about going private, choosing an agency, or breaking into caregiving? Send us your questions, reactions, and future topic ideas. We want to hear what you're dealing with and what you want covered next.caregiving, private caregiver, home health care, caregiver pay, in home care, senior care, CNA, agency vs private pay, caregiver advice, becoming a caregiver, elder care, Parkinsons care, dementia care, companion care, caregiver wages, home care jobs, caregiver tips, Finding Home Care, Unfilter CaregiverTimestamps and TopicsKey TakeawaysQuotesCall to ActionListener QuestionsApple Podcast Tags