Private Caregivers Verses Caregivers from Licensed Agencies
This article was submitted by Life Care Home Health Services Corporation.
For more information, they can be reached at 630-963-7824.
Hiring a private care giver may seek like a less expensive alternative, but in reality you're putting yourself and your loved one at much greater risk than you may realize. When you hire a caregiver privately (not through an agency) and pay the caregiver directly you become responsible for:
Taxes According to the IRS an individual employer is liable for
- Social Security taxes
- Unemployment compensation
- Payroll taxes
- Interest on under payments owed
- Possible civil fines of up to $100,000
Worker's Compensation
If a private caregiver is injured while working for you, you may be held liable for all medical expenses and disability coverage.
General and Professional Liability
Private caregivers rarely carry general or professional liability insurance. If the caregiver fails to perform his/her duties or
injures you or a loved one, you may be held liable.
Bonding & Licensed Agencies
Bonding protects you from theft or property damage. Licensed agencies are required to hire certified/licensed caregivers to provide
care. These certification/licensure demonstrate that caregivers have been trained to provide appropriate care.