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What are the steps to legally hire a private caregiver for my mother?

Asked by Truedawg | Jan 4, 2010

My mother has Alzheimer's and her Long Term Health Care benefits have run out, so I am unable to afford an in-home Caregiver from a licensed agency. I have found a very capable and willing woman to provide care to my mother at a salary I can afford. What steps are required of me to legally hire this woman? Am I required to pay Social Security and/or Insurance?

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Carol Bradley Bursack, Jan 4, 2010

Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.” Her sites, www.mindingourelders.com and www.mindingoureldersblogs

This gets sticky and you are wise to think twice. Many times it works out well, but to do it legally, you will likely - I say likely as states differ - be considered the employer and need to pay taxes.
In any case, if she gets hurt working, you could get sued. So, proceed carefully, but if this is the perfect person, you may be able to make it work. Just check with your state to make sure you are doing the right thing. Good luck,
Carol

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Truedawg

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Jan 5, 2010

Carol:

I live in California. Who should I contact about my situation? Also, ir you are willing I would like your contact information , so I can discuss this matter with you in detail

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195Austin

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Jan 5, 2010

I did not have good outcomes with hiring aides that were not part of an agency but maybe you could find a retired nurse who would word for you I would check with my insurance agent to see if she would be covered most of the aides we hired privetly charged almost what an agency would charge-I hope things work out for you.

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kms1025

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Jan 18, 2010

Be very careful in hiring someone privately, unless they are a VERY DEAR friend or a VERY CLOSE relative. Agencies assume responsibility for payroll taxes, workers comp. insurance and liability insurance. You are responsible while a privately paid person is in your home, for all of these things. And even though you want to think that nothing bad is going to happen...sometimes it does.

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