Private Caregiver vs. Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh

The real trade-off

On paper, a private caregiver hired directly costs less per hour than an agency. But the hourly rate isn't the whole story. When you hire someone directly, you become their employer — with everything that entails.

What you take on with a private caregiver

• Taxes & payroll. You may owe "nanny tax" (Social Security, Medicare, unemployment) and need to handle payroll and tax filings.
• Screening. Background checks, references, and verifying credentials are on you.
• Backup coverage. If your caregiver is sick, on vacation, or quits, there's no one to send. Care simply stops.
• Liability & insurance. If they're injured in your home or something goes wrong, you may be exposed.
• Supervision. No one is overseeing quality or stepping in when needs change.

What an agency handles for you

A licensed agency like Mary Angels builds all of that into the service:

• Background-checked, trained, insured caregivers — screening and liability handled.
• Guaranteed coverage — if a caregiver is out, we send another. Care never stops.
• Supervision & care planning — someone oversees quality and adjusts the plan as needs change.
• No employer paperwork — no payroll, taxes, or filings for you.
• One point of contact for scheduling and concerns.

See how we stack up in our guide to choosing a home care agency.

Which is right for your family?

A private caregiver can work for families with simple, stable needs, a trusted person already in mind, and the time to manage employment details. An agency makes more sense when you want reliability, backup, accountability, and peace of mind — especially for dementia care or 24/7 needs. For honest pricing either way, call 412-318-4237 for a free assessment.