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 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.
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.