Paying live-in caregivers?

You could only charge or deduct utilities and rent for the hours the employee is not working, if at all. Do healthcare workers, grocery employees, or bank managers pay utilities to their employers, such as water and electricity while they are on the clock at work? No. That doesn’t make sense.

Neither of those options is the best choice. You don’t charge live-in household employees rent + utilities and by law you must pay them at least minimum wage for all hours work. You really need to research state and federal laws before hiring a live in caregiver.....

Check with your Provincial or State Labour Standards.

Also have a very clear written care giver agreement that states hours, expectations of work to be done, use of personal vehicle, use of clients vehicle, guests and more.

Included in hours would be days off, holiday time, sick time, time for personal appointments etc.

What is your main reason for considering a live-in for him? Like stated below, it makes him/you an employer and he/you will need to keep accurate records and be on top of your state's laws (which vary widely from state to state). Who will fill-in when the live-in needs a sick day or two? Or wants to go on vacation? Or quits suddenly.

I agree strongly with JoAnn's comment about the potential for abuse (financial is very common, easy to get away with and is devastating) as this happened in our family; and expectations and boundaries need to be clearly stated up front so the caregiver is not overworked and the employer isn't disappointed. You may have to cycle through several people in order to find a right fit: are you willing to move people in then out, then in then out if they aren't the right one?

If you are researching this arrangement in order to keep your LO "independent", (or your LO adamantly refuses to consider AL) what about all the other parts of living in a home, like maintaining it, lawn care, security, etc? Also keep in mind that this arrangement will be isolating for him, even with a live-in helper.

Finally, what is the plan for when he requires full-time, overnight care? Or medical care? This require a person of different qualifications and will be at a higher pay rate. Round-the-clock care will eventually cost more than AL monthly. Often, "aging-in-place" to prop up the pretense of being "independent" makes the LO happy but is exhausting for the PoA or whomever is managing things. IMO the PoA goes along for this ride and therefore gets to have a say in the plan because it does impact their life as well. I wish you much wisdom as you figure out the best plan for the both of you!

You don't charge a live in rent. I think its been said salary has to at least be minimum wage . I would call the labor board in your area and find out what the laws are in regards to live in caregivers. I would also have a contract drawn up. Especially that if this arrangement doesn't work out you can ask the person to leave. And what will happen if her client dies. You will need to deduct income taxes and SS which u will need to match.

I would see a lawyer about a contract and a CPA about how to handle the deductions. I would also make sure that the person you hire has somewhere to go if this doesn't work out. That she/he does not bring anyone into the household to live. There are horror stories on this forum where aides move in families. Take over. You need to go into this agreement with open eyes.

Also, being a live in does not mean they work 24/7. Like any employee, they need time off. So additional aides have to be considered. It may work out better to have shifts.

Rent is not considered a deduction from payment for live in care. They are required to be there and is an employee.