When seniors experience physical or mental changes they often need help with non-medical care. A Caregiver can be hired to fulfill this vital role. A Caregiver can help with daily activities, including personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping and errands. Anyone hiring a Caregiver should be aware that if an agency employs the Caregiver, proper screening methods should be verified. This should include interviews, reference and criminal checks, as well as drug testing. Furthermore, the agency should be responsible for withholding and paying required taxes, and be fully insured with bonding, liability and worker's compensation. The agency should also guarantee coverage of Caregiver absences, thus decreasing the family's burden. By hiring an agency, a family also foregoes any responsibility and potential liability associated with employing the Caregiver "privately". If a family hires a Caregiver privately, they will be assuming these risks for themselves. Either way, a family should gather the facts and understand what services are available and the differences between them before allowing anyone to care for their loved one.