How to hire a home caregiver: a step-by-step guide for Brevard families
Agency or private hire, what to ask, how screening works, and how to start a trial week without guesswork.
Hiring someone to help a parent at home is a big decision. This guide walks Brevard families through the steps in order, so you can compare options calmly.
1. Write down the help needed
List a typical week: meals, errands, rides, housekeeping, company, and hours when your parent is alone. Note anything hands-on or medical, because that changes who can help. Our companion care vs. personal care guide explains the difference.
2. Decide: agency or private hire
- Private hire: you recruit, screen, schedule, pay and find backup coverage yourself.
- Agency: the agency screens caregivers, schedules visits and arranges coverage. Ask what is included.
3. Set a budget
Rates depend on hours and the type of help. See published Florida benchmarks on our home care cost in Brevard page, and check whether a long-term care insurance policy may reimburse non-medical care.
4. Questions to ask every provider
- How are caregivers screened? Is a background check done on every caregiver?
- Which services do you provide, and which do you not provide?
- How are caregivers matched to my parent?
- What happens if the caregiver is sick or the schedule changes?
- How will the family hear about visits?
- How does billing work, and is there a minimum?
5. Meet, then start small
Have your parent meet the caregiver, start with a few visits, and check in after the first couple of weeks. Adjust days and hours as you learn what helps.
Where Grace & Glory fits
We provide non-medical companion and homemaker care in Melbourne, Palm Bay and nearby Brevard County, and every caregiver is background-checked. We do not provide personal care or medication reminders. Grace and Glory Homecare LLC does not currently advertise as an AHCA-licensed Home Health Agency. Book a free consultation or call (321) 985-2899.
Questions families ask
1. Should I hire a caregiver through an agency or privately?
A private hire can cost less per hour, but the family usually handles screening, payroll, taxes and backup coverage. An agency handles screening, scheduling and replacements. Ask any agency exactly which of those it covers.
2. What questions should I ask a home care agency?
Ask how caregivers are screened, what services they can and cannot provide, how scheduling and cancellations work, how the family is kept informed, how billing works, and what happens if a caregiver is sick.
3. What is the difference between companion care and personal care?
Companion and homemaker care is non-medical help such as company, meals, errands and light housekeeping. Personal care is hands-on help with bathing, dressing and toileting. Make sure the provider offers the type your loved one needs.
4. Are Grace & Glory caregivers background-checked?
Yes. Every Grace and Glory caregiver is background-checked before visiting a client's home.