Some public policy experts have claimed that the gig economy holds the key to the future success of senior care. While the gig economy certainly has made a difference in making our lives easier, it isn’t likely to be the best solution for helping the elderly find and receive the care that they need as they age.
Before we tackle this subject, let’s set a few terms out in the open so that we have a clear understanding of what we’re talking about. Most importantly, what is the gig economy?
The gig economy is based on short term services, or freelance work. Uber is a prime example of this. Uber drivers are not contracted employees of the company. They don’t have the benefit of working for a company that will provide them with a strong suite of benefits, retirement accounts, or insurance. They are providing a service that is in high demand, though. Many Uber drivers love what they do. Many are able to do it as a part-time job to earn some money on the side. And there’s no doubt that Uber has left its mark on the transportation industry. By increasing the number of private drivers within a city, it’s easier and faster to get to where you want to be than ever before–even if you don’t own your own vehicle.
But does the gig economy have a place in senior care? The reality is, it already has a strong foothold when it comes to senior care. Freelance caregivers, referral agencies, and other trends have popped up that have made caregivers more readily accessible and affordable. But this doesn’t necessarily equal quality care.
One of the most beneficial aspects of foregoing the gig economy is that you have a bigger guarantee that the individuals working with your older loved ones will have the training, experience, and backing of a bigger company to support both them and your family. Working with freelancers, or other that are not directly employed within a care company, leaves you open to mistakes, poor practices, inexperience, and even fraud. Ensuring that a trained, professional is on your side is the safest course of action for your family.
Your family deserves the best. Senior care that is provided by someone without training, without the backing of a professional service, and without any sort of guarantee is placing your family at risk. In essence, going this route puts an amateur in a position where you want a professional’s help.
There are some really talented caregivers that provide care on a freelance basis. But there are also some individuals that are not fully qualified to provide this service. It’s hard to know what you’re getting if you don’t have that guarantee from a professional service. That’s why we are so passionate about hiring and employing the best of the best. Our caregivers are trained and have a team of professionals backing them. We fully train them and provide insurance for them. It’s our way of ensuring that your family is getting the very best that we can give them, with as little risk as possible.
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