Is hiring a caretaker from an agency (expensive) really a lot better than trying to find someone locally who will work cheaper?

You protect yourself from comp claims, unemployment claims, payroll tax problems and no shows by hiring an agency. Think of it as insurance. You insure your house and your car, why not your MIL?

Did you see the couple who hired a nanny on craigslist? It was all over the news the last couple of weeks. Nanny is suing. Couple is saying she isn't taking care of child. My mom's roommate in her board and care was taken for everything she owned. Caredtake "hurt" her back. No eddie has no money,,do your homework and decide

Yes agency CGs are expensive, but in my opinion they are worth it! Mom gripes every time she pays the bill, but she has "lost" dad twice since they moved in with us.. it's peace of mind for hubs and I. We love our CG, mom complains she dosent do much, but Mom scrambles around and gets everything done before she arrives! At least she can go retrieve Dad when he wanders off! Mom, can;t!!! Our CG loves to cook, brings soup and baked goods for the parents. I joke all my Christmas cookies are going to be done my Mom and CG! But really, it;s worth it because they take care of screening, insurance and taxes!

How do I get Mom to give up financial control or go on a budget?

I worry about her sending the caregiver out to buy things we can't afford while I am at work.

That $20/hour covers liability insurance as well as payroll deductions, for which you would be liable unless the caregiver agreed to be paid "under the table." Still, you would run the risk of injury and suit if he/she were injured.

To me, that risk, especially higher in frail and sometims mobility compromised older folks, is not worth taking the chance.

The agency also can do background checks and screen candidates, which is easier for them than for you. In addition, they have a choice of workers of different capabilities and personalities who may be suitable, whereas you don't really know if one is until the work actually begins.

I hired a neighbor, who came highly recommended. I pay her $15.00 an hour. She does whatever I ask her to do, clean, laundry, companion for Dad. She allows me 10 hours a week, freedom. She is a godsend. I consider her an independent contractor. Dad didn't want a lot of strangers in the house, so I went with the neighbor. If you need round the clock care, an agency is probably better, but just for respite, I'd find a mother of school age kids, who needs the money. Then i would work around her schedule

Missy, give the CG a list and a set amount of CASH, for which she will give you a receipt. you have an idea of what you need will cost, and she is NOT going to supliment with her own money.. trust me, And if she does.. nope not gonna pay that! Tell her Mom can;t add to the list unless CG calls you for approval I am not a big fan of giving out cash, but it beats giving her your Credit card or bank card.

Kathy, do you issue a 1099 to your caregiver for tax purposes?

That is illegal in our state for a 1099, all caregivers are employees according to the IRS rulings. Which are federal rulings. If you do not own your day and control your day if someone else tells you what time to come in, and what time to go home, and when to feed lunch, then that is the truth, and for many people they do not know that, and I found out very early in my career, so it save a lot of errors in the long run.