Consider These Issues Before Hiring

Families are often faced with tough decisions when a loved one falls ill or has failing health. This dilemma stresses family members beyond what they can handle alone. There are some agencies and caregivers who would take advantage of this fragile situation at such a vulnerable time.

Consider these facts:

1. Many people hire through the local newspaper. The people they hire often times are not U.S. citizens. Being legal to work here requires a work visa. Language and driving are often major barriers for them.

2. Paying a caregiver cash without paying taxes or social security is against the law. The Internal Revenue Service actively pursues those persons in violation of doings so. You can be fined and made to pay all delinquent taxes you did not deduct from your employee's pay.

3. Most people do not do a background check on the person they hire. (Credit, Criminal or Motor Vehicle) They are unsupervised in the home. Many families report that stealing, drinking, and abusing long distance phone services is problematic. These caregivers are not Bonded or Insured.

4. Frequently they begin to take over the clients home as if it were their own, cooking meals to their own taste, watching television programs they want to watch. They do less and less as time goes on and become less willing to do what they were originally hired to do. (That is, to take care of your loved one.)

5. There is no back up system. If they become sick or become lethargic and decide to take the day off, who is going to step in to take their place? This increases the risk for emotional or physical abuse.

6. They are non properly trained to perform nursing procedures such as tube feedings, suctioning, and injections, although some agencies tell you they can. We work very closely with the Home Health Agencies capable of performing these duties.

7. It is not an inexpensive a solution as it appears. You are providing housing, meals and increased utilities including phone bills. Additional insurance is needed. You can be sued if they are injured on your property. Homeowners insurance will not pay for someone injured on your property that is deemed in any way an employee. You would have to purchase separate Workman's Comp insurance for this type of coverage.

There are wonderful people who are true exceptions to these issues. However, the overall experience is fraught with problems. Think very carefully before you hire.

Consider working with a reputable organization that has quality, reliable caregivers that can staff around the clock. We would be happy to assist you in sorting out care issues with an assessment visit.

Call:

Wadsworth: 330.334.7027 / Wooster: 330.263.4733 / Canton: 330.491.0700

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