Dear Cynthia,

Let me start by saying that I think you are selling yourself short by referring to yourself as a "beginner."  The work you did caring for the mother of your former employer provided you with invaluable experience as a caregiver and as a companion. Good for you! Make sure to put that on your resume. Caregiving is a labor of love that should
only be undertaken by a special person and it sounds like you've got the right stuff! That being said, let me get down to the nitty-gritty of your question: should you sign with an agency or strike out on your own to find people looking for someone to care for a family member? I would recommend signing with an agency. Agencies have the resources
and connections to link you with families and individuals looking for caregivers/companions. People in need of a caregiver/companion tend to view agencies as more legitimate and trustworthy than a stranger
they're meeting through the classifieds. Agencies typically put employees through extensive criminal background checks which helps families feel their loved ones will be safe.  Another advantage of signing with an agency is that many offer trainings such as working with clients with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia,
First Aid & CPR and how to prevent the transmission of diseases. Lastly, because an agency employs many caregivers/companions, there is a community of people with whom you can bounce ideas off and share
experiences. As you well know, caregiving can be an emotional rollercoaster.

Please stay in touch and let us know how things go with your new career.

Go Forth & Conquer!

Sekai K. Ward, MSW