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Are you hiring an aide privately or a friend or family member? You really can't work anyone 24hrs straight. Not even live- ins. And if you are, when do they sleep? They are entitled to sleep. The tasks must be done the drinking is a no no. Like any job, if they are there, they get paid. If you don't like their work you fire them. Your not under any obligation to give them 2 weeks notice or pay them for 2 weeks.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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No. You have to fire that person.
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Reply to Mtkat15
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Yes. If you hired someone you are obligated to pay them.
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Reply to brandee
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Have you put the designated tasks in writing? If not, you should create a checklist for items that each shift needs to do.

Living in a small town does not justify paying in cash or drinking on the job.

If you want legitimate help you need to deal with this professionally by putting things in writing, getting it signed and addressing the issues as soon as they arise.

If someone is on a 24 hour shift, they need sleep, if you aren't willing to allow this then your next option is a facility that has 3 shifts so someone is always awake.

Oh, yes you have to pay. If you don't are you willing to deal with whatever this person does to feel compensated? I was told if you don't take care of the finances fairly then they will come back and rob you. (Not to me personally, just how a group of people deal with not being fairly compensated, I can't imagine they are the only ones.)
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Reply to Isthisrealyreal
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You pay someone you hired. You pay until you fire them. You don't have them stay and then say "Whoops, not good enough, so I am not paying". Right?

And as to a 24 hour shift? Other than being "on call", there is no such thing as a 24 hour shift. On Call indicates you react when/as needed (think intern or other hospital personnel) and when NOT NEEDED you can be on your phone, on a cot napping or watching TV.

Drinking, if you are speaking alcohol, would be a NO NO. And an indication it is time to PAY and FIRE.

Suggest you google labor laws for your state. Good luck.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Yes, if you let them stay and work you have to pay them for the hours they are there and able to work. 24 hour shift doesn’t usually mean no sleeping time for the caregiver, so naps are to be expected, especially if they assist with bathroom visits, etc. at night.

If you have evidence to prove that they were impaired and unable to work, you might have something to work with, but better to pay them and get it over with if no harm done.
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Reply to Frebrowser
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Well napping on a 24 hour shift is essential! Talking on her phone is discretionary as to the amount of time. But drinking should be disqualifying. I would say give her partial pay and don't continue to hire her.
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Reply to MG8522
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If a caregiver isn’t providing the expected care, they should be let go from the job. Expect to pay for the hours worked even if you’re displeased with the job done
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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not live in just doing 24 shifts
no contract it was a verbal agreement
we live in a small town where people dont usually have contracts
paid cash
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Reply to Getcareforyou
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24/7 is a slave and you should be reported.
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Reply to Cashew
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Getcareforyou Apr 28, 2025
the same person does not work 24/7 it is split between several caregivers!
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Is this a live-in aid?

Do you expect her to be on call 24/7 every single day?

Do you have a written contract with her? If so, what does it say about her off-duty hours/days and daily breaks?

Does she get paid in cash, or in exchange for room & board?

More info would be helpful.
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Reply to Geaton777
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