I am currently using an agency, however, it is expensive. I don't really want to advertise and go through a ton of phone calls and interviews. I don't have time for that because I am working 2 jobs. My children are leaving for college and I will not have any 'backup' care once they are gone. Are there websites or legitimate agencies out there that can provide a placement, or assist in screening private in-home care givers?
They were waiting for the Nursing program to begin, I told them I would be happy to work with their class schedule when classes began.
They were both trained, had their CNA certifications but had not yet worked in a facility or other setting. They sort of got the "on the job training" caring for 1 person in a home setting.
I can not say enough good things about the experience hiring these two was. And they both got good experience in a low stress situation.
I have heard of people using a caregiver contract for independent workers. Just check their credentials thoroughly before hiring.
Agencies do their own training and from what I see it is minimal. I had one worker straight out of high school.
But, on the positive side of that, caregiver rotation is the only way to find the caregivers that will work the best for the client.
The person who works privately knows that their performance is KEY to staying hired. Our private hires (except one) - way outperformed almost all of the agency personnel. We found our caregivers - initially thru a discharge planner at the hospital, who gave us a short list to call; then we were able to find the others thru personal recommendations (word of mouth). All is not perfect in this world either; you need to be aware that they have a life too. They want vacations, holidays - some weekends, etc.. We would try to discuss with them a couple months before major holidays - how the holiday was going to be managed.
We found that we had good coverage with 3 CG.s - providing 24/7 care.
I do agree that the process of checking the background and doing some of the book work, getting insurance, etc.. is a bit of a task - but was totally worth it for us. Once done - quite a bit of that becomes rote.
Items that really help - whether agency or private hire: have a good job description(expectations); use checklists along with some charting notes - keep things organized in a binder.. There are little things that go a long way in making the job of outside caregivers easier - good equipment (grab bars, zero entry showers/baths, hospital beds) removing clutter, organized supplies, well defined roles/ needs/ provisions. Do they share meals with you? Eat on their own? When do they call you? How do you want to be contacted - write as much down as possible, place in labeled order, and review it with them. We actually had a caregiver turn down a higher paying job because she told us after the interview that it would be too frustrating and they didn't know what they were doing.
When you commence this process, know what you want - make sure THEY know what you want. A good worker will be worth the wages.
First, determine exactly what you need. The line between Caregiver and Home Care is often blurred. Does your mum require medical treatment/attention? That’s going to be Home Care or Home Health Care, that person will have training and certifications, and best hired throughout an agency (which typically handles taxes, workers comp).
Does she merely require assistance with the day-to-day stuff like bathing/dressing, preparing meals, light shopping. That’s a Caregiver position, usually less expensive, and usually a good place to start. With the Caregiver position comes a few value added benefits. Aside from the aforementioned daily tasks;
1. caregiver provides you peace of mind in knowing someone is there in case of an emergency, or avoiding an emergency.
2. CG provides companionship, and stimulating conversation, hobbies, or mutual interests. This was important for us. Ken has traveled the world, and well educated - In advance stages of Parkinson’s disease he has mobility issues, occasional hallucinations, balance and cognitive issues. But you get him started up and he will share some amazing stories from his travels. So I didn’t want someone who comes in, plops down and turns on the television for the day. I was fortunate to find that person (and remarkably they were right in front of me)
3. Although the position doesn’t require it, Ken’s CG will get a little bored and starts tidying the house to the point that I only need our housekeeper every other week (but that was sheer luck)
4. Finally, finding the right CG might be as easy as mentioning your need for someone to a coworker or neighbor. Word spread like wildfire and I had 5 candidates by the end of the day. And ended up hiring a former employee with whom Ken and I had become friends with after I left that company. She is retired now and on social security, so not looking for a full time job, and cannot make over a certain amount anyway.
I am not a tax, legal or medical professional so I can only speak on personal experience which might be totally wrong for you. Since the CG is a friend as well I know she’s not going to put us through any ugliness. She keeps a time sheet and I pay her every 2 weeks and then I issue a 1099. I increased my personal liability on my homeowners insurance (agent recommended) since there would be someone else in the house.
I will keep good thoughts for you and hope that it works out as easily and successfully as it did for us.
D
If your patient is currently paying an expensive agency, could you give up one of your jobs and let patient pay you for caregiving??
If that is the route you want to take then you cannot afford NOT to take the time and energy to investigate thoroughly. Find a company that does criminal background checks, check the DMV record (you'll need consent) and even then there is likely going to be a time delay. Call your local Area Agency on Aging and ask about the Caregiver Support Program which may have funds for a short or longer period of time to help assist while you make your plan. It probably violates rules of the agency you're using to hire one of their people. Kill-fees can be very high. You might do slightly better with a post in a church bulletin. Do your employers have a sizeable base of employees and have to follow the FMLA? Does your mother qualify for any services? Wishing you lots of luck...
There is no way I would have done all the paperwork, background checks that they did. I would not have wanted to fill out, send in the required papers for Social Security, Workers Comp, State tax, IRS, Unemployment Insurance that this program did.
Yes going through an agency is expensive but when one of the caregivers was sick...I had no one that day, or at least until the next person could start. At least with an agency if one can not come in the agency can or should send someone else.
And because it is me answering this....Is your mom on Hospice? When on Hospice she would have a nurse come in 1 time a week to check her and order any medications that are needed. You would have a CNA come in 2 or 3 times a week to bathe her, order supplies. You would get equipment that will make caring for her easier. You would also have the ability to ask for a Volunteer that will come in and sit with her for a few hours so you can get things done or the Volunteer can do light housework if it is needed. (They can also run errands if that is what you need)
It sounds as if you should stick with the agency. A private caregiver, read everything Tacy wrote very carefully.
To pay under the table is very risky, do not do it. Keep everything above board. You do not have time for interviews, etc. What if there are issues with the private caregiver? Who will manage that? So many complications to hire privately.
There are some posters here that will insist that these workers are 1099 employees. That is not at all true and could potentially get you into legal and IRS trouble.
See this AC article for starters:
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/hiring-in-home-caregiver-affects-taxes-171023.htm
Also search the IRS website for information.
Agency caregiver, any problem, call them. Minimal management.
Who is paying caregiver? This should be mom's expense, not yours.
And you're working 2 jobs? It will be very expensive to have agency caregiver coverage as your mother's needs increase over time. Do you even get a full night's sleep now? Have you considered placing your mother in a facility?
(By the way, I am echoing the other respoders here -- use an agency, NOT private caregivers that you pay under the table.)
You also run a higher risk of getting robbed and loved one abused hiring someone yourself.
An agency will offer the most protection from this type of abuse (but can't guarantee it). They vet their people for actual qualifications (including background checks). They can provide subs when your assigned person is sick or on vacation or suddenly quits. They are licensed, bonded and insured so if your assigned person does anything inappropriate, your family is protected.
Individual caregivers are considered your employees if you pay them directly more than $600 in a single tax year, rather than pay thru an agency. Any amount over $600 will require you to submit a 1099 form to the state for each person you've paid over that amount. If you get people through a placement agency, this may still be your responsibility so make sure you ask clarifying questions. Good luck!