Some homecare registries advertise benefits such as more control, lower cost, or happier caregivers. But these claims often hide the real risks. A registry does not employ its caregivers; they only connect you with independent contractors. That means you become the employer, responsible for legal, financial, and safety issues.

As a licensed North Carolina home-care agency with W-2 caregivers, we handle all oversight, staffing, supervision, and liability so families stay protected. Below is what these registry “advantages” actually mean in real life.

1. “More Control: You get to make the decisions”

This sounds positive, but it means you are the employer of the caregiver. You must handle:

• Liability if something goes wrong
• Background checks
• Worker’s compensation
• Payroll taxes
• Scheduling and supervision
• Training and competency

If the caregiver gets hurt, steals property, or makes a mistake, you are responsible, not the registry. A licensed agency removes all of this burden and provides professional oversight.

2. “More Availability: Many caregivers ready to work”

Registries may have many independent caregivers because they do not supervise, train, or manage them. But availability does not guarantee:

• Consistency
• Reliability
• Safety
• Back-up coverage

Independent caregivers can cancel without notice or take other clients first. A licensed agency provides trained employees and ensures dependable coverage.

3. “Ability to Staff Tougher Cases: Long hours or 24/7 care”

Complex cases require real oversight. Registries cannot guarantee that an independent caregiver has the training for dementia care, mobility support, oxygen use, or safe transfers. They are only a list of people who you can call and employ. If a caregiver gets tired, quits mid-case, or makes a mistake, there is no agency to step in.

A licensed home-care agency has the systems, supervision, and backup staff to support high-need clients safely.

4. “Happier Caregivers: Higher wages and more stability”

Contractors may earn more per hour, but they must pay their own taxes, insurance, training costs, and supply expenses. They also have no worker protections, benefits, no guaranteed hours, and no support, which leads to more burnout and turnover.

W-2 caregivers working for a licensed agency receive supervision, training, benefits, and consistent schedules, creating a more stable and professional workforce.

5. “Continuity of Care: Better retention”

Independent caregivers can leave at any time. They are not required to stay with a client, and they can decline shifts or switch to a private case for higher pay.

A licensed agency provides reliable staffing, backup caregivers, and a structured retention program that protects the continuity for your family.

6. “Affordability: You will spend less”

Any savings disappear once you factor in the true costs and liability of being an employer:

• Payroll taxes
• Worker’s compensation insurance
• Liability exposure
• Risk of misclassifying a worker (IRS audits)
• No coverage if the caregiver quits suddenly

Families often end up spending more – financially and emotionally – when something goes wrong. A licensed agency offers clear pricing and full protection with no hidden responsibilities.

The Bottom Line:

Registries Shift the Risk to You. Agencies Protect You.

Registries may look cheaper or more flexible, but they push all the responsibility onto the family. A licensed North Carolina home-care agency provides:

• Trained and supervised W-2 caregivers
• Liability and worker’s compensation coverage
• Backup staff and reliable scheduling
• Professional oversight and care management
• Safety, accountability, and peace of mind

What registries call “advantages” often become unexpected risks. Families deserve a partner who handles the hard work, not a system that leaves them exposed.