If you're paying thousands every month to a home care agency, you may not realize there's another option — one that gives you more control, more consistency, and significant cost savings.
It's called the direct hire model, and it's been one of the care industry's best-kept secrets for years.
What Is the Direct Hire Model?
In the traditional agency model, you pay a home care company, and they send you a caregiver. The agency sets the schedule, controls the care plan, and takes a significant markup — often 40–60% of what you pay.
In the direct hire model, you hire the caregiver yourself. You become the employer. You choose the caregiver, set the schedule, and define the care plan. A placement agency like Bonne Santé helps you find the right person and handles the administrative complexity — but you're in control.
How It Works
The process typically involves four steps:
- Placement — We help you find and interview a qualified caregiver who fits your family's needs, language, and cultural preferences.
- Immigration — If your caregiver is coming from outside Canada, our in-house regulated immigration practice (Sure Immigration) handles all work permit and LMIA paperwork.
- Payroll & Compliance — We manage your payroll, tax deductions, ROEs, and employer reporting so you stay fully compliant without the administrative burden.
- Ongoing Support — We provide HR support, bridge care coverage, and guidance for as long as you need it.
The Cost Difference
The savings can be substantial. With a traditional agency, a family might pay $8,000–$12,000+ per month for live-in care. With the direct hire model, that same care often costs $3,500–$5,000 per month — including the caregiver's wages, payroll taxes, and our placement and support fees.
That's not a minor difference. Over a year, families can save tens of thousands of dollars while getting more dedicated, consistent care.
Is It Right for Your Family?
The direct hire model isn't for everyone. It works best for families who need live-in or 24-hour care and want a long-term, consistent caregiver relationship. It requires some administrative involvement — but that's exactly what we handle for you.
If you're currently using an agency, or if you're exploring care options for the first time, it's worth understanding all your options before making a decision.
Reach out to our team for an honest, no-obligation conversation about whether direct hiring makes sense for your situation.