Plot A Careful Course Through The Home Care Maze
Its a fact that over 90% of people older than 65 live in residential settings
, not in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Thats exactly what most seniors prefer. But what happens when illness or age threatens independence, and ones network of family and friends cant provide enough help? Welcome to the home care maze!
It wouldnt seem that complicated to arrange help for an elderly person with things like chores, cooking, bathing, dressing, safety supervision or companionship. However, there are lots of decision points and potential wrong turns.
For example, you might try hiring a home care worker directly. The worker is then accountable only to you. You set the expectations, provide supervision, make scheduling arrangementsall one-on-one with your employee. Sounds fine, right?
Well, maybe not. As an employer, youll assume responsibilities you may not want. For example, if wages exceed a certain yearly threshold ($1700 in 2010), you must deduct Medicare and Social Security taxes and report the wages on federal tax forms. You may also be liable for state and federal unemployment taxes.
Another concern is worker injury. Without workers compensation coverage, serious on-the-job injury can incur substantial medical costs for which you may be responsible. Then there are issues like pre-employment screening, verifying U.S. work eligibility, background checking, liability protection, dealing with worker dishonesty and covering work absences. Its no wonder that many consumers are uncomfortable hiring home care workers directly.
A better route is to engage a private duty home care company that specializes in supportive services for seniors. Since the company is the employer, it takes care of things like taxes, insurance, bonding, screening, background checks, training and supervision.
Be sure, however, that the company actually employs its home care workers. Many companies are really registries or placement agencies that use independent contractors. In that case, youre still left with many of the responsibilities of an employer. That wont be evident from their advertising or marketing materials. Youll need to ask.
There are a number of important questions you should inquire about when choosing a home care company. Is the company licensed by a state body that sets standards (in Virginia, this is an office in the Department of Health)? Does a qualified medical professional perform initial assessments, develop an individualized care plan and supervise the staff?
Are the companys employees covered by general and professional liability insurance, and in what amounts? Does the company follow state and federal employment guidelines, such as withholding appropriate taxes, providing workers compensation and other benefits? How does the company screen and select its employees?
For more information on caring for an older adult, including great information regarding
senior care in Virginia, visit http://www.readyhands.com.
by: Ann Smithson
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