Hiring Private Duty Home Caregivers

Why Use An Agency? . . . One of the greatest long-term needs of older adults and those with chronic illnesses is for in-home. These workers are often referred to as caregivers, certified nursing assistants and personal care attendants. These in-home workers make it possible for people with functional limitations to remain at home in a comfortable, familiar environment. Home care givers provide a wide range of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, assisting with ambulation or transferring, toileting, feeding, providing medication reminders, shopping, meal preparation, making medical appointments, transportation, laundry and companionship. While at first glance it may seem reasonable to hire a private caregiver but it can also cause numerous problems and create unexpected liabilities for the family, who becomes the employer. Tax Issues As a private employer, the individual or family is required to pay Social Security, unemployment and payroll taxes. Many home health aides will represent themselves as independent contractors, ostensibly relieving the hiring individual of these tax obligations.  Potential private employers should seek the advice of a labor lawyer to assure appropriate hiring practices with respect to federal tax laws. *Click here to find out more about the: IRS 20 Factors – Independent Contractor * Workers' Compensation and Liability Issues The individual or family paying for the private home care giver would be held liable for any work-related injury that occurs on the job. This can include the cost of all medical expenses and any disability payments that might become applicable. Since the home-care industry is noted for work-related injuries, this can be a huge risk, especially if the care giving tasks include lifting, transferring or bathing. There are also risks related to communicable diseases if the care giver does not abide by universal precautions that are required by all licensed agency personnel. An Agency retains any liability that arises out of an injury to the person being cared for or any other person on the premises. If the home care giver were to cause an accident, for example, in which other family members suffered any harm or losses, the employer would bear the full responsibility for all costs and compensation. Abuse and Exploitation Unfortunately, there is the potential for both physical abuse and financial exploitation when work is being done on behalf of a frail, functionally limited, and often cognitively impaired individual. There will always be those who see this type of work as an opportunity to take advantage of someone. This becomes especially easy when the care giver and the recipient of care are isolated in a private home setting with little or no supervision. Supervision is often difficult because of geographic distance, lack of expertise. Furthermore, families often do not have the time or the resources to do criminal background checks, or to contact references, if they even think to ask for references. Sometimes families are so grateful for the care provided by a care giver that they are also vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. Agency Supervision A licensed home care agency has a responsibility to provide ongoing supervision for their employees. This includes helping the care givers to understand the changing needs of clients, assuring the proper limits of care according to the practice acts of the various levels of professionals, and mediating difficult relationship issues. The agency supervisor is available to provide guidance and support to both staff and care recipient 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is suggested that you seek an Agency that meet these standards. Bonded Covered by Workers Compensation Insurance Carries Liability Insurance Is responsible for all tax liabilities Enforces criminal background checks Conducts drug screening Provides ongoing training Offers 24/7 Care Management