No, I haven't, so I'm looking forward to what folks here who have might have to say since it's a good question, rose.

Thanks Muji

Sorry Rose, I haven't been on here for what seems like weeks (but maybe isn't).

I've tried to use agencies to get caregivers for my son so I can have some time to get out without him or maybe even work. I first started trying back in 2016. It's been pretty difficult.

I don't like to give my location, but I'm in the western US somewhere, I suspect you're a bit further east than I am, and I hope it's much better in your state.

Here's what it's been like for us. I have had them send a few employees, but a lot of the employees weren't good matches. We had one that stayed for months but honestly my son kept coming to me for stuff and things never got to the point where I felt good about leaving the two of them (although sometimes I did anyway, and the results were sometimes so-so and sometimes bad). I did have one aid who was very conscientious and willing to work, but the agency stuck them on a short shift when my son was most often asleep part of the time and wouldn't give that employee the full-time hours they wanted - either with my son or with other clients - so they left for a job that would. Most of the time we just aren't able to get employees.

My honest opinion is that there are two main problems with the county programs that provide in home attendant care.
Firstly, they aren't well run and everyone's getting paid but the clients still aren't benefitting, and the caregivers are hit and miss.
And, secondly, a person who wants to be a caregiver for strangers can make much more on care.com, and the county isn't going to pay them anywhere near what they can make there.

I'm sorry if you're having trouble with a care agency, but not surprised. Every agency we've used has told me that if there's a family member or someone else we already know who'd like to get paid to provide his services I can refer them and the agency will employ them.... So then what's their (the agency's) job? SMH!

BUT, we keep on trying because that's the way forward. And, I'm sorry my comments seem so negative. Those are just my family's experiences.

I would encourage you to keep trying too. They always say to be the squeaky wheel, and that is something I'm still working on learning to do.

I hope this answers your questions. I always hope others are having more positive experiences with this.

Berly thanks so much. That exactly what I am going through and most people don’t care. I dont have family like blood family but some try to help advocate but most aide are whatever. Some take disadvantage of me. Few cared. My former insurance as a nightmare. My current is better and they want me to go to DSW service because agency awful. I am a lot of bad experience and has to deal with it and my therapist tried.

Sometimes I feel like people shake their head at me. Some just watched if I sink and keep saying that I am strong. Few are concerned but has their own health challenges. A lot are shock that I am still standing.

I have a team of support since COVID and they have taken action against agency or anyone that hurts me all I have to do is tell. A social worker comes every time I have a new aide to let them know that not because they see me alone I have a strong team behind and I am being monitored. Yet I have to deal with aides who don’t care or few who do need more money so they leave. It is draining because I am autistic but very sick. I wish I knew someone who I could hired but I don’t have any. I am being told about what you said that most people go through what I go through before finding someone. I have been on LTC since 2018 and minis 2020-2021. I once hired someone I know and my life became a nightmare and I still feeling the effects of it even though I had to fire the person. No she was not related. Care.com wants more than insurance will pay and sadly I can’t afford out of pocket