Hiring a Private In-Home Caregiver

By Kathleen Doman, Community Care Manager

Options for Senior America

. http://www.optionscorp.com/

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Hiring a Private In-Home Caregiver

How much time and money will it cost me to hire a private caregiver?

Placing ads, interviewing, researching, and hiring a private caregiver will require from several days to several weeks, depending on your skill and luck.

Great agencies don't charge any up-front fees for performing these tasks. When you hire an agency, you will not spend time or money finding the perfect care provider for your loved one.

How soon will I need care for my loved one?

For many families, the need of care is almost immediate. Great agencies can provide quality care the same day in most cases, as finding quality care providers is the lifeblood of their business.

Are criminal background checks necessary, where can I get them, and how much will they cost?

Anyone who employs people whose job description includes handling money, goods, or lives requires criminal background checks.

A great agency runs several checks to ensure that its care providers have spotless records and there are costs for every background check which they absorb.

Where will I be conducting interviews?

Exposing strangers to your home or your loved one's home is potentially dangerous, until you've confirmed their identity, ran background checks, and verified references.

Great agencies have offices with specific interview areas. They also have the availability to copy credentials, state ID's, insurance papers, etc. on the spot. Should you decide to hire a private caregiver, you will also incur these costs.

What happens if the private caregiver I spent so much time and money to hire doesn't work out?

Despite your best efforts, things happen no matter what the quality of a private caregiver.

Great agencies have an extensive roster of qualified Care Providers, so a replacement can be provided immediately at no extra charge or inconvenience to you.

What time/money will it take me to pay my caregivers and do the record keeping for their payroll?

Whenever you employ someone, even if it's in barter for room and board, you are responsible to keep exact records and file timely reports to the IRS, state, and local tax agencies. Great agencies provide all the payroll functions and tax reporting at no additional cost to you.

What government and private in-home care programs are we entitled to?

Great agencies will point you to government and private funding, which may assist you in care for your loved one. They are “in the trenches” every day and know what your loved one may be entitled to.