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BunnyG333 Asked July 2020

Is their compensation for a live in caregiver after her patient dies? ie: is family obligated to offer her housing?

Is there a law that states a live in caregiver needs to be offered housing (for a period of time) after her client dies?

MargaretMcKen Jul 2020
You may not be legally entitled to anything, but decent behavior means that a family should give you at least a week or two to adjust. After all, you are probably grieving too, even if it is a job. However if you have been saying that they have an obligation to find you housing, there may not be much goodwill left. Back off, ask for the minimum time you need, apologise for your misunderstanding, make your own plans quickly, and keep your fingers crossed. With luck, they will be ashamed to have you move into a homeless shelter, straight from caring.

Isthisrealyreal Jul 2020
No. They are not obligated to you in any way. Your job ended when your client died.

You shouldn't have a problem finding another position. Try to work with the family to give you a couple of weeks to find another job.

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Taarna Jul 2020
Reread the contract. It would make sense to offer housing for 2 weeks to 1 month, so she can find other living/work arrangements.

JoAnn29 Jul 2020
No, when a client dies, the contract ends. The family is under no obligation to allow you to continue to live there or find you temporary housing. I would hope that the "live in" would realize/understand that this is a temporary position that can be terminated at any time. As such, the live in needs a backup plan.

gladimhere Jul 2020
It depends on what your caregiver agreement says. Was there one, or were you paid under the table?

Isthisrealyreal Jul 2020
No. You are an employee and that changes the tenant laws.

If this is for yourself you need to try and work with the family as you find a new place to live or a new position.

Hopefully you were being paid as well as having a place to live. If not, you should not get yourself in to a similar situation. You should be getting paid for being a caregiver even if you are living in.
FloridaDD Jul 2020
I don't know if this varies by state, but I would hope as you state that the person is being paid and should be able to save money.   Even if only minimum wage, the person should be able to save.  I would also strongly recommend getting a letter of recommendation when the client passes.   The relatives may have no choice but to move quickly in getting rid of house or apartment.
dragonflower Jul 2020
Housing would only need to be offered if the contract specified that he/she was entitled to free housing on a month-by-month basis. (In that case, the caregiver could stay in the house through the last day of the current month.) In general, once the patient dies, the caregiver is released from all obligations with the family, including housing.

EllensOnly Jul 2020
It is my understanding from the Agencies in our area that any Aide that is working in a "live-in" capacity must have a legal residence elsewhere that they can go to if thing change and the "live-in" is no longer needed.

aikigal Jul 2020
What does the caregiver's contract say? Go over the terms of the contract carefully. I know it's boring to read, but it may be important. If the contract is silent regarding giving the caregiver time after the death of the client, then the answer is "no". That having been said, you may just want to talk to the caregiver and find out what she is asking for. If you can live with what she wants, then you're both happy. If not, then trying talking and letting her know what you feel comfortable with.
FloridaDD Jul 2020
I would be very cautious about that.  Once the patient has died, the caregiver may assert she is no longer employer, but rather tenant, and subject to normal rules, and evictions are not allowed now.
DrBenshir Jul 2020
If this was a good, long-term employee most employers would give a strong letter of reference and at minimum 2 weeks salary or some other severance package and possibly a gift from the family. If the care-giver was not with the patient for long, say, only a matter of a few months, and there was no strong relationship I would still recommend at least some severance and assistance to find another position. There is no obligation to continue to provide housing after a live-in position is terminated. That was part of the compensation, and the job has ended.

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