What is agency-directed care?

A personal care agency hires and supervises the aide and handles employer-related functions. Care is delivered according to the individual plan, with nursing oversight. A to Z Home Care provides this model.

Agency direction may suit a family that wants agency help managing employment and care coordination. You still have preferences to discuss about the caregiver and routine; agency direction does not mean your voice disappears.

What is consumer-directed care?

The member or designated employer of record takes on employer responsibilities such as selecting, managing, and supervising the attendant under the program’s rules. The applicable support and payroll arrangements should be clarified with the health plan or program.

This model places different responsibilities on the family. Before choosing, ask who handles hiring, scheduling, timesheet approval, backup arrangements, and questions when the regular attendant is unavailable.

Do family caregivers always have to work for an agency?

No. A qualifying relative may be considered in different arrangements under the applicable rules. An aide providing agency-directed care works through the agency; a consumer-directed attendant follows the consumer-directed employer arrangement. Neither model guarantees that a particular relative qualifies.

Can I switch to agency-directed care?

You can ask about changing the care arrangement. Contact the proposed agency and the health plan or coordinator before ending current services. Review authorization, caregiver qualifications, and the planned transition date. A change should not be treated as automatic.

Read our transfer guide if you hope to keep a current caregiver. A to Z can review the proposed arrangement, but cannot promise the same hours or an immediate start.

Choose around your family’s actual needs

Consider how much employment responsibility the member or representative wants to manage and what support is needed. For a family already doing unpaid care, begin with paid family caregiver options and the member’s approval status.

Questions families ask

Does choosing an agency create more approved hours?

No. A change in model does not itself establish a need for additional hours.

Can I choose someone I trust?

Tell the provider or program your preference. Qualifications, program rules, and the approved arrangement still need review.