Scott Strachan

Registered Nurse · Nurse Registry Administrator · Owner, Abby Services

Scott Strachan, RN, BSN, has spent nearly two decades operating a Florida-licensed nurse registry, drawing on firsthand experience as a caregiver, a registered nurse, and a nurse registry owner to help families in Southwest Florida find the right in-home caregiver.

Scott's healthcare career began as a Certified Nursing Assistant, providing hands-on care in clients' homes. He went on to earn his BSN from Penn State and become a registered nurse, with clinical experience spanning medical-surgical nursing, hospice and palliative care, oncology, orthopedics, medical/surgical and neuro intensive care, cardiac rehab, and in-home care, across institutions including Tampa General, Broward General, Lee Health, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, and Phoenix Memorial.

Since 2007, Scott has owned and operated Abby Services, a Florida-licensed nurse registry serving Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. That work has given him firsthand knowledge of caregiver referrals, client-directed care, caregiver qualifications, documentation, and the everyday realities families face when they need help finding a caregiver fast.

Scott serves as Vice President of PCA Florida (Private Care Association) and has served on its national board, regularly meeting with AHCA and Florida legislators on issues affecting the nurse registry industry. He's also the founder and host of The Nurse Registry Podcast, and founder of Nurse Registry Consultant LLC. Together with his brother, Shae Strachan, Scott also co-developed C-E-U.com, a continuing education platform for caregivers and nurses, and MyHealthForm.com, an online health-screening solution for caregivers.

Florida RN License #9224129, Active. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Penn State.

If you’re a caregiver working with a Florida nurse registry, you are almost certainly a 1099 independent contractor, not a W-2 employee, because that is exactly what Florida law requires. Florida law addresses this directly: Florida Statute 400.506 specifically defines caregivers referred by a licensed nurse registry as independent contractors, not employees of the registry. That means you run your own small business, you receive a 1099 rather than a W-2, and you’re responsible for your own taxes. This page explains what that means, why it’s the case, and where to get help.

A quick, important note. My name is Scott Strachan. I’m a Registered Nurse and the owner of Abby Services, and I am not a tax professional. Nothing here is tax advice for your specific situation — always speak with a CPA. What this page does is explain how a Florida nurse registry works and point you toward reliable information, because we’ve seen a lot of misleading and even false tax guidance aimed at caregivers, and you deserve accurate sources.

You’ll See Conflicting Information Online. Here’s Why.

If you search online about caregivers working as independent contractors in home care, you’ll find some people making false blanket statements, such as “you can’t do that” or “you’ll get in trouble.” Those people are either misinformed or misleading you. It’s true that some states have no laws on this, and some expressly prohibit caregivers from working as independent contractors in home care. But Florida law specifically outlines, describes, and governs independent contractors working in home care.

If you search for caregiver taxes, you’ll find many articles insisting that caregivers must be treated as W-2 household employees, not 1099 contractors. That advice is written for a different arrangement: a family that hires a caregiver directly and becomes that caregiver’s employer. Some states actually encourage this domestic employer model, where the client becomes the caregiver’s employer and handles payroll taxes. It’s a legitimate option, but it isn’t how a Florida nurse registry works.

A nurse registry is a different arrangement. A registry refers self-employed caregivers to clients and provides administrative support. That is why the classification comes out differently, and it’s backed by both Florida law and federal guidance.

The Florida Law: Caregivers Referred by a Registry Are Independent Contractors

Florida spells this out directly. Under Florida Statute § 400.506(6)(d), a registered nurse, LPN, certified nursing assistant, home health aide, companion, or homemaker referred for contract by a nurse registry “is deemed an independent contractor and not an employee of the nurse registry under any chapter.”

The same statute requires the registry to tell the client, at the time of contract, that the referred caregiver is an independent contractor and that the registry may not monitor, supervise, manage, or train the caregiver. In other words, the independent-contractor relationship isn’t a workaround a registry chooses — it’s how Florida defines and regulates the nurse registry model.

The Federal Guidance: DOL Field Assistance Bulletin 2018-4

That’s why Abby Services leaves rates and schedules for clients and caregivers to agree on together.

One point worth being precise about: FAB 2018-4 concerns federal wage-and-hour law, which is a separate question from how the IRS treats a worker for taxes. Caregivers referred through a nurse registry operate as independent professionals and receive a 1099. For questions about your own tax situation, talk with a CPA.

What Abby Services Does — and Doesn’t Do

Abby Services is a state licensed nurse registry overseen by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Our role, consistent with Florida law and DOL guidance, is limited to referral and administration:

• We verify that caregivers meet Florida’s registration, training, and Level 2 background-screening standards before referral.
• We refer screened caregivers to clients whose needs may match the caregiver’s experience and availability.
• We provide administrative support — invoicing, recordkeeping, and collecting and disbursing client payments.
• We help caregivers keep track of their earnings throughout the year, and their annual 1099 is available to view and download through CareLink.

What we do not do — and legally may not do — is employ, supervise, direct, or set the pay of the caregivers we refer. The caregiver and client set their own rate and schedule directly. We refer 1099 caregivers to families throughout Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and Bonita Springs.

Run It Like a Business

The strongest answer to anyone who questions your independent-contractor status is how you actually work. The IRS and the Department of Labor both look at whether a worker is truly in business for themselves. These habits show that you are:

The IRS Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center is a good place to start for the tax side.

What Being a 1099 Caregiver Means for Your Taxes

As an independent contractor, you operate your own business, which changes how taxes work compared with an employee:

• No taxes are withheld for you. A client doesn’t withhold income tax or FICA from your pay the way an employer would. You’re responsible for setting money aside.
• You pay self-employment tax. Independent contractors pay both the employee and employer share of Social Security and Medicare (15.3%), because there’s no employer covering half.
• You may owe estimated taxes quarterly. Rather than settling up once on April 15, self-employed individuals generally pay estimated taxes throughout the year.
• You’ll receive a 1099. A 1099 reports your earnings to you and the IRS once they reach the reporting threshold, which is $2,000 or more for payments made in 2026 and later ($600 for earlier years). All of your earnings are taxable, whether or not you receive a 1099.
• You may be able to deduct business expenses. As a business owner, certain work-related costs may be deductible — a CPA can tell you which apply to you.

Families hear their share of tax myths too. If a client has been told they will be responsible for your taxes, point them to the Big Four nurse registry myths.

To make tax time easier, keep good records of your earnings throughout the year. Abby Services works together with CareLink, a secure platform where the caregivers we work with can receive client payments, track those earnings for tax reporting, and view and receive their annual 1099.

Abby Services stays informed on the changing federal and state guidelines that affect nurse registries and the 1099 caregivers we work with, in part through our involvement with industry groups like the Private Care Association (PCA). We’re always glad to explain how our business operates. For questions about your own tax situation, please talk with a CPA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is my boss?

You are your own boss. As an independent professional, you make the important decisions about your business: which referrals to accept, what rates to set, and how you provide your services. Abby Services is here as a resource and to support your business behind the scenes, including:

• Referring clients whose needs may fit your skills and availability
• Verifying your credentials and background screening
• Handling invoicing and payment processing
• Keeping records and helping you track your earnings, with your 1099 available through CareLink
• Helping with long-term care insurance paperwork when a client uses it

Are caregivers referred by Abby Services employees or independent contractors?

Independent contractors. Under Florida Statute 400.506(6)(d), a caregiver referred for contract by a licensed nurse registry is deemed an independent contractor and not an employee of the registry. The caregivers we refer operate their own businesses; we provide referral and administrative services only.

Why do some websites say caregivers must be W-2 employees?

That guidance is written for families who hire a caregiver directly and become that caregiver’s employer. A nurse registry is a different arrangement: the registry refers self-employed caregivers who run their own businesses, which is why Florida law and DOL Field Assistance Bulletin 2018-4 treat registry-referred caregivers as independent contractors, not employees of the registry.

Where do I get my 1099?

Your 1099 is available to view and download through CareLink, the secure platform where you receive client payments and track your earnings. You use it to file your taxes. All of your earnings are taxable, even if they fall below the 1099 reporting threshold.

Do I have to pay my own taxes as a 1099 caregiver?

Yes. As an independent contractor, no taxes are withheld for you. You’re responsible for income tax and self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare), and you may need to pay estimated taxes quarterly. A CPA can help you set up the right approach for your situation.

Sources

• Florida Statutes § 400.506 — Licensure of nurse registries (see subsection (6)(d))
• U.S. Department of Labor Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2018-4
• IRS: Independent Contractor (Self-Employed) or Employee?
• IRS: Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center
• IRS: Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals
• NCH: Contracted Hospital-Based Physician Groups
• 42 CFR 484.105: Home health agency services, including services under arrangement

This article is general information about how a Florida nurse registry operates, not tax or legal advice. Consult a CPA or qualified professional about your specific situation.

A Florida nurse registry is a state-licensed referral service that connects clients with screened, credentialed, independently employed caregivers for in-home care. The registry maintains a list — a registry — of qualified private caregivers, verifies their credentials and background screening, and matches them with clients seeking their services. The client, not the registry, directs the care.

Abby Services has operated as a Florida-licensed nurse registry in Fort Myers since 1997, so this is a question we answer nearly every day. Here is what the term actually means, how the model works, and why it matters for families comparing their in-home care options.

Nurse registry vs. home health agency: what’s the difference?

Florida law recognizes two distinct types of licensed in-home care businesses. A home health agency employs its caregivers: it hires, schedules, supervises, and directs them, and builds those employment costs into its rates. A nurse registry does not employ caregivers at all. It refers self-employed, independent caregivers based on the criteria the client provides, and the client decides what services to request and when.

Neither model is “better” — they suit different situations. But the difference is real, and it affects cost, control, and caregiver consistency. Unfortunately, some competitors blur this distinction to steer consumers, which only creates confusion. In our experience, an educated customer is a happy customer, so let’s look at what the state of Florida itself concluded.

Florida studied nurse registries — and kept them

In 1999, the Florida House of Representatives conducted a formal review titled Repeal of Nurse Registry Regulation? examining whether the nurse registry statute should be eliminated. The findings were clear: nurse registries deliver in-home care at a 20–30% lower cost than home health agencies, and eliminating them would raise costs and reduce consumer choice.

That statute, Section 400.506, Florida Statutes, still governs nurse registries today. It even requires registries to tell every client, in writing, that referred caregivers are independent contractors — transparency is built into the law.

How Florida regulates nurse registries

Nurse registries are licensed and overseen by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), the same state agency that regulates hospitals and nursing homes. Before a caregiver can be referred, a registry must verify that they meet Florida’s standards, including:

• Level 2 background screening: fingerprint-based checks through state and federal databases
• Verified licenses and certifications: current Florida licenses for RNs and LPNs, and certification for CNAs
• Documented training: proof of required training for home health aides, and required training for homemakers and companions, including Alzheimer’s and dementia (ADRD) training where it applies
• Health documentation: current proof that the caregiver is free from communicable diseases
• Infection control education: proof of a continuing education course on HIV transmission, infection control and prevention
• A complete application on file: education, work history, and license or certification numbers with renewal dates, open to AHCA inspection
• Scope limits: each caregiver may only provide the services they are licensed, certified or trained to perform

These requirements exist to protect the vulnerable population registries serve. The screening is one of the biggest practical differences between finding a caregiver through a licensed registry and hiring someone “off the street” — a private hire has been through no screening at all unless you arrange it yourself.

How the referral model actually works

Think of a nurse registry like a realtor or a matchmaking service. A realtor doesn’t build or own the houses they show you — they help you find the right one. A nurse registry doesn’t employ or control caregivers — it helps you find the right one. And like a good realtor, a registry knows the local market: who’s available, whose experience fits your needs, and what in-home care typically costs in your area.

Here’s what that looks like in practice. A family contacts Abby Services looking for help with everyday activities like the ones below. We learn about the client’s needs, schedule, location, and budget, then search our registry of screened independent caregivers to identify good potential matches. Our RN and owner, Scott Strachan, RN, BSN, is available to help you identify the type of support your loved one needs — you decide what to request.

Once we identify good potential matches, two decisions follow. The qualified caregivers registered with Abby Services decide whether to accept the referral, and then the client decides whether the caregiver is a good fit. Caregivers referred through a registry are 1099 independent contractors who set their own rates, choose their own clients, and run their own one-person businesses.

What a nurse registry does not do

Honesty about the model matters, so let’s be direct. A nurse registry does not provide, supervise, train, or manage caregivers. Care direction belongs to the client, the family, or the client’s physician. The registry’s role is screening, matching, referring, and providing administrative support — things like invoicing and recordkeeping. If you want a company that employs the caregiver for you, that’s what home health agencies do, at a correspondingly higher price. Both options have their place; what matters is choosing knowingly.

Why families choose a nurse registry

Three reasons come up again and again with the families we work with:

• Cost. The state’s own research found 20–30% savings versus agency care — meaningful money over months or years of care. It works for caregivers too: with no employer overhead in the middle, caregivers who set their own rates typically earn more through a nurse registry than through a traditional home health agency. See our comparison of in-home care vs. assisted living costs for the bigger picture.
• Control. Abby Services follows a client-directed model, which keeps you in control. We match caregivers based on the criteria you provide, you set the schedule and direct the services, and you can always request a replacement caregiver and give us more detail to sharpen the match. Our client agreement is flexible, with no long-term commitment.
• Consistency. Your caregiver isn’t an employee we can pull off your case. The relationship belongs to you and them. Once a match is made, we don’t interfere. A replacement happens only if you ask for one or your caregiver asks to step away.

If you’re in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, or anywhere in Southwest Florida and want to talk through whether the registry model fits your situation, start your caregiver search here or call us at 239-590-0861. And if you’re a caregiver interested in registry referrals, visit our work as a caregiver page.

Part of a national community of registries

Abby Services is a member of the Private Care Association (PCA), the national trade association representing nurse registries and the independent caregivers they refer, with a Florida chapter serving registries across the state. Owner Scott Strachan, RN, BSN, serves as vice president of the Private Care Association of Florida.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Florida nurse registry in simple terms?

It’s a state-licensed matching service for in-home care. The registry screens independent caregivers, verifies their credentials and background checks, and refers them to clients. Caregivers are matched based on the client’s criteria, and the client directs the care; the caregiver works for the client, not the registry.

Is a nurse registry the same as a home care agency?

No. An agency employs and supervises its caregivers. A registry refers independent, self-employed caregivers and does not provide, supervise, or manage the care. Florida licenses both under separate statutes, and the registry model typically costs 20–30% less.

Are caregivers referred by a nurse registry screened?

Yes. Florida requires registries to verify Level 2 fingerprint-based background screening and confirm credentials and training before referring any caregiver. That’s a key protection compared with hiring privately, where no screening happens unless you arrange it yourself.

Who directs the care when you use a nurse registry?

The client, their family, or their physician. The registry can help you identify the type of support needed — at Abby Services, our RN is available for exactly that — but you decide what to request, and the caregiver you work with provides it.

Does a nurse registry guarantee caregiver availability?

No registry can honestly guarantee that. Caregivers are independent and may accept or decline any referral. What a good registry does is maintain a deep enough roster, and learn your needs well enough, to find you strong matches — and keep looking if the first match isn’t right. In our experience, you don’t marry the first person you go on a date with.

For many Southwest Florida families, in-home care is the better choice. It is one-on-one, it lets your loved one stay at home, and depending on how much help is needed, it can cost significantly less than assisted living.

Assisted living in Florida is expensive, and the price keeps climbing. The state’s median is now about $5,500 a month for a private one-bedroom, before the extra charges many communities add as care needs grow. Many families only need a caregiver for part of the day or a few days a week, and paying for just those hours often costs far less than a facility. Even at full-time hours, when the two are closer in price, in-home care offers what assisted living can’t: you stay home, choose your caregiver, and set the schedule.

Here is how the numbers break down, and how families in Fort Myers and Cape Coral can make the comparison for their own situation.

Most Seniors Want to Stay Home

AARP’s 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey found that 75 percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their own homes as they age. In-home care is the most direct way to make that happen. A caregiver comes to you, works around your routine, and provides one on one attention that no facility can match at any price.

What Assisted Living Costs in Florida

According to CareScout’s 2025 Cost of Care Survey for Florida, the median cost of an assisted living community in Florida is $66,000 per year, or roughly $5,500 per month. That is up 3 percent from the year before.

The base rate is only the starting point. Many facilities price services a la carte on top of monthly rent.

Where the Money Goes: Labor

Whether care happens at home or in a facility, labor is the biggest part of the cost. The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care has noted that nearly 60 percent of a senior care provider’s expenses are labor. CareScout’s 2025 survey also found that labor costs, more than inflation, have been driving care prices up.

The difference is how that labor is shared. In a facility, your monthly rate pays for a share of staff who are also caring for many other residents. Staffing is one of the five most frequent complaints long-term care ombudsman programs handle in assisted living and similar residential communities, alongside discharge or eviction, medications, food service and physical abuse, according to the federal Administration for Community Living. Florida’s minimum staffing standard for assisted living works out to an average of roughly one staff member on duty for every 30 residents in a 95-resident community, and facilities with 17 or more residents are required to have only one awake staff member overnight. Smaller facilities must have someone on site at night, but that person is not required to be awake. Many facilities staff above the minimum, but it is worth asking what the ratio is on every shift, including nights and weekends.

What In-Home Care Costs in Florida

The same survey puts Florida’s median cost for a non-medical in-home caregiver at $73,216 per year, based on 44 hours a week. That works out to about $32 per hour. Here is how that compares with assisted living:

In-home figures use the Florida median of about $32 per hour. Actual rates depend on the caregiver and the arrangement.

For longer visits and around-the-clock coverage, families working with Abby Services often see total rates at or below the Florida median.

Families needing round-the-clock support can also compare 24-hour and live-in care arrangements, which are priced differently than hourly visits.

Independent caregivers referred through a nurse registry like Abby Services set their own rates, which are often below agency medians because there is no agency overhead built in.

The Variable Facilities Can’t Offer: Your Schedule

Assisted living is a fixed monthly cost whether you need a lot of help or a little. In-home care scales to what you actually need.

If mornings and evenings are the hard parts of the day, a caregiver for 6 hours instead of 8, or 5 days instead of 7, brings the monthly cost well below assisted living. Family members can cover some hours, with respite care filling the gaps when they need a break. You decide when someone helps you and for how long, and you can adjust as needs change.

Adult Day Care Can Stretch the Budget Further

Adult day care in Florida runs a median of about $19,500 per year, according to the same CareScout survey, or roughly $1,600 per month for weekday attendance. For families where a spouse or adult child provides evening and weekend care, combining adult day services with part-time in-home care often costs meaningfully less than assisted living while keeping your loved one at home.

If you are weighing these options in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or anywhere in Lee, Collier, or Charlotte Counties, Abby Services can help you understand what a private caregiver would cost for your specific situation. We have been helping Southwest Florida families find caregivers since 1997.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is in-home care cheaper than assisted living in Florida?

It depends on hours. At 40 hours per week, the costs are nearly identical (about $5,500 per month). Below 40 hours, in-home care typically costs less. Around-the-clock care at home costs more than assisted living but provides one on one attention.

Does Medicare pay for in-home care or assisted living?

Medicare does not pay for ongoing custodial care in either setting. It covers limited skilled home health services under specific conditions. Long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and private pay are the most common ways families fund both options.

How do I find out what a caregiver would cost for my situation?

Rates depend on the schedule, the level of assistance needed, and the individual caregiver. Caregivers referred through Abby Services are self-employed and set their own rates. Call 239-590-0861 and we can walk through your situation.

Sources

• CareScout, 2025 Cost of Care Survey: Florida data
• CareScout Cost of Care tool
• AARP, 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey
• Florida Administrative Code, Rule 59A-36.010: Assisted living staffing standards
• OnShift, citing NIC: labor share of senior care expenses
• Administration for Community Living, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: most frequent complaints (FY 2023)

Good news for Southwest Florida families: in-home care here costs less than the national average, and the longer the visits, the lower the hourly cost. Florida’s median for a non-medical caregiver is about $32 an hour, compared with $35 nationally. Families working with Abby Services on 6–12 hour visits typically land right around that Florida median, and around-the-clock care comes in below it.

National and Florida figures: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey and Florida data. Abby Services ranges include the caregiver’s fee and our registry fee.

What Does a Private Caregiver Cost in Southwest Florida?

Every arrangement is different. The ranges below reflect what families in Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties commonly see in 2026. They are for information only and are not binding on any caregiver or client. Your actual cost depends on the caregiver you choose, the rate that caregiver bills, and the arrangement the two of you ultimately agree on, which is negotiable. The ranges we share reflect typical rates in the area and serve as a starting point if either of you wants to discuss other options.

No surprises. Typical caregiver fees are outlined and reviewed with you in your client service agreement before you begin with Abby Services, so you will know the agreed-upon rate before care starts.

How your total cost is made up

What affects the cost

• Caregiver experience and credentials: a CNA or home health aide typically charges more than a companion.
• Level of care: more hands-on help usually means a higher fee.
• Schedule: consistent schedules and more total hours tend to lower the hourly cost.
• Location: travel distance can matter, especially for short visits.
• Holidays and extra hours: some caregivers ask for a premium rate. Whether to accept is your decision.

What the national cost-of-care surveys show

For years, the MetLife Mature Market Survey was the standard reference for long-term care costs — it’s where the often-quoted $21-per-hour national figure came from. That survey was discontinued more than a decade ago, and its successor is the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, which has tracked median long-term care costs across all 50 states since 2004.

The 2025 survey reports a national median of $35 per hour for a non-medical caregiver — roughly $80,000 per year at 44 hours of care per week. Florida’s median comes in at about $32 per hour ($73,216 a year), in line with what we see locally. The survey also found that labor costs, more than inflation, have been the top factor driving home care price increases. We’ve seen the same thing locally: labor costs have risen significantly over the past five years, which is why rates have gone up across the board. (One note if you compare older surveys: beginning in 2025, homemaker services and home health aide services are reported together as a single “non-medical caregiver” category.)

Those numbers make more sense with context. The same survey puts assisted living at a national median of $6,200 per month — about $74,400 per year — and a private nursing home room at $355 per day, or nearly $130,000 per year. For families whose loved one needs part-time support rather than a facility, in-home care is frequently the most economical option, and it comes with staying home.

The biggest share of what facilities charge goes to labor, and that’s where families most often raise concerns. A facility can be a beautiful building, but if it doesn’t have enough caregivers, or good ones, to staff it, your loved one feels it. With in-home care, your money goes toward one-on-one time with a caregiver you chose.

Medians also hide the range. The survey breaks results down by metropolitan area, and Cape Coral–Fort Myers is its own region — you can look up our exact market using CareScout’s free cost-of-care tool. Local demand, seasonality, and the factors below all move individual rates.

Why a Nurse Registry Often Costs Less Than an Agency

Comparing agencies and nurse registries? Read The Big Four: Common Myths About Nurse Registries before you decide.

Abby Services works as a nurse registry, not a traditional home care agency. That distinction matters for cost: the caregivers we refer are self-employed and set their own rates, which you agree to directly with them. Your total invoiced cost is simply the caregiver’s fee plus our referral fee, disclosed up front, with none of the overhead a traditional agency adds to every hour billed. In many cases, that means you pay less overall while the caregiver earns more. Take a look at the full range of services a private caregiver can help with.

Paying for a Private Caregiver

Worried about how to cover the cost? You have more options than you might think:

• Long-term care insurance — Many policies cover in-home caregivers, including what’s often called “homemaker services.” We’re happy to help you make sense of your policy. See how we help with long-term care insurance claims.
• Veterans’ benefits — Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which can help offset the cost of in-home care.
• Private pay — The most common option. You pay only for the hours you actually need, and can scale up or down as things change.

Medicare generally does not cover ongoing, non-medical in-home care, so it’s worth checking your other options early.

Live-In Care vs. Around-the-Clock Care

These two are often confused, but they’re priced, and structured, differently. Live-in care means a caregiver stays in the home with defined rest and sleep periods. Around-the-clock care means awake caregivers taking turns, with no one sleeping on the job. The right fit, and the right cost, depends on whether your loved one needs someone simply present overnight or someone awake and alert.

Finding the Right Caregiver in Fort Myers & Cape Coral

Southwest Florida is a melting pot, and the private caregivers in our network reflect that, with a wide range of backgrounds, languages and experience. Tell us what matters to you, and we’ll look for caregivers who fit.

Since 1997, Abby Services has helped families across Fort Myers and Cape Coral find screened, credentialed caregivers at a price that makes sense for their budget. Whether you need a few hours of help each week or full-time support, our team can help you build a plan and find the right person for your family.

Explore our caregiver services or call 239-590-0861 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a private caregiver cost in Fort Myers and Cape Coral?
As of 2026, families in our area commonly see about $30–$35 per hour for extended visits of 6–12 hours, $40–$45 per hour for 4–6 hour visits, and more for short visits. Around-the-clock coverage is usually the lowest hourly cost at about $24–$30 per hour, and live-in care is typically about $350–$450 per day. Your actual cost depends on the caregiver you choose and the arrangement you agree on.

Is a nurse registry cheaper than a home care agency?
Often, yes, in total cost. Independent caregivers referred through a registry set their own rates and don’t carry agency overhead, so families frequently pay less in total while the caregiver earns more. Always compare the complete invoiced amount, not just the hourly rate.

Who sets the caregiver’s rate?
The caregiver. Caregivers referred by Abby Services are self-employed and set their own fees, which the client and caregiver agree on together. Your total invoiced cost is the caregiver’s fee plus Abby Services’ referral fee, disclosed before services begin.

Does insurance cover the cost of a private caregiver?
Many long-term care insurance policies cover in-home caregivers, including homemaker services. Medicare generally does not cover ongoing non-medical in-home care. Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit.

Are live-in care and 24-hour care the same thing?
No. Live-in care means a caregiver stays in the home with defined rest and sleep periods. Around-the-clock care means awake caregivers taking turns. They are distinct arrangements with different costs, and the right choice depends on whether your loved one needs someone present or someone awake.

Do private caregivers carry workers’ comp, and should that worry me?
Private caregivers are self-employed, so they generally don’t carry workers’ compensation the way an agency does for its employees. Some agencies frequently point to that to make families nervous, but it isn’t the whole story. Workers’ comp covers the worker’s own injury. It does not automatically protect you: if an agency caregiver is hurt in your home and your negligence played a role, the insurer can still seek repayment from you. Either way, the best protection is a conversation with your homeowner’s insurance agent about anyone working in your home. You can also ask the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation whether an agency’s coverage protects the client. For more, see The Big Four, a guide to common home care myths developed for the Private Care Association.

Are caregivers referred by a registry insured?
Many private caregivers who receive referrals through a nurse registry maintain their own professional liability insurance. It’s a good question to ask when you request a referral. If coverage matters to you, tell us, and we’ll look for caregivers who carry it. Learn more in The Big Four.

Will I be responsible for the caregiver’s taxes?
Caregivers referred through a registry are self-employed and responsible for their own taxes, and their earnings are reported on Form 1099. For your own situation, get advice from a tax professional rather than a competitor trying to win your business. Learn more in The Big Four.

Abby Services is a Nurse Registry licensed and overseen by the Agency fo Healthcare Administration.

One important rule for in-home healthcare providers is requiring in-home caregiver health screenings for every HHA & CNA who enters a senior’s home.

The Agency for Healthcare Administration or (AHCA) safeguards seniors is by enforcing these laws, rules, and regulations in Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and other licensed entities including Abby Services.

So what is an in-home caregiver health screening?

AHCA or The Agency For Healthcare Administration lays out guidelines that are designed to help protect the population we serve. One such example is the requirement of a health statement from a health care professional certifying that an individual is “Free of communicable disease”. The exact verbiage can be found here under FAC59A-18.005(6). This is required for every caregiver who enters a seniors home.

What does a health statement screen for?

That’s a fair question. Abby Services follows all state requirements for caregiver screening and selection. Including the requirements for in-home caregiver health screenings.

That being said, clients often ask “Will my caregiver be screened for HIV?”, Will my caregiver be screened for the Flu?”, Will my caregiver be screened for TB or Tuberculosis?”, “What are you doing about the Zika Virus?”. There are many other valid questions related to health screening.

These are very good questions. The reality is that it is impossible and cost-prohibitive to effectively screen for every possibility, which is why we defer to the regulations and requirements that govern our industry. That’s why we rely on a general practitioner’s judgment to screen for a caregiver’s general wellbeing.

What if I want my caregiver to have additional health screenings?

One of the most common requests, beyond a general Health Statement, is for Tuberculosis Screening, specifically when a caregiver is caring for a patient residing in a Nursing Facility. While some facilities may choose to further protect their residents by requiring TB (tuberculosis) screening.

AHCA phased out the requirement for this testing in our industry years ago in favor of the health statement from a medical professional screening a caregiver for a number of ailments.

Clients may request whatever additional testing they believe is necessary from their caregiver, however, both client and caregiver should consider the cost and benefit of insisting on safeguards above and beyond those required by The Agency for Healthcare Administration.

For those interested here is a link to our local Department of Health’s TB testing program. The Department of Health also has other immunization programs available for those who are interested.

Should you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak with Scott Strachan who is an RN and one of the owners of Abby Services. He is well versed in our state requirements and how to help seniors remain safe and independent in their homes.