If you are working with an agency, you are also paying for (hopefully) background checks, insurance, record keeping for the taxes. Think in terms of 20/25 minimum in areas with a lower cost of living.
If you private hire, then those things are up to you to do or not at your own risk. I paid $10/hour in 2005. In my area wages are lower than average but I would still pay more than that now, probably $18. It would depend on what is needed. Is this just occasional while you take a break, get shopping done, sort of senior sit? Then $12 plus a tip to cover gas and transport time. Is the caregiver going to bathe, change, feed, the client? At least $15. Will the caregiver often have the responsibility of deciding to call 911, escort to appointments?? $18-20 or up and would consider $20 a bargain.
There was an article in the Mercury News this morning about elder care, and one person mentioned that caregivers were costing her $30 per hour. However, this is in an area with a very high cost of living; it's probably lower in other parts of the country.
If you private hire, then those things are up to you to do or not at your own risk. I paid $10/hour in 2005. In my area wages are lower than average but I would still pay more than that now, probably $18. It would depend on what is needed. Is this just occasional while you take a break, get shopping done, sort of senior sit? Then $12 plus a tip to cover gas and transport time. Is the caregiver going to bathe, change, feed, the client? At least $15. Will the caregiver often have the responsibility of deciding to call 911, escort to appointments?? $18-20 or up and would consider $20 a bargain.
There are a lot of levels.