When considering hiring a live-in caregiver there is a lot to consider. Personally I hired a live-in to take care of my elderly parents who were now in their 80’s to help with the daily chores, housekeeping, laundry, personal care, and help with the meals. I only decided to bring a live-in after we exhausted all other options.
Things to consider when hiring a live-in;
Emotional Concerns: it is hard to live with someone new when you are used to providing for yourself. At first there may be some resentment but don’t worry they will get soon appreciate the help.
Cost: Consider a fair payment based on a flat weekly rate to include meals, a private room or area, access to amenities such as TV and telephone.
Work Schedule: The number and days per week, time off for sick time and vacation time, consider weekends and holidays. It is possible you may need to hire more than one live-in because they will require time off. In my case I have one live-in that works 5 days a week and another that works 2 days.
Security: Consider installing cameras, have locked and secure areas off limit to live-in where you can keep private stuff, collect and store valuables, jewelry and cash and store in safe place.
Scope of Work: Be clear on what the live-in is responsible for such as personal care, homemaking or housekeeping, cooking, feeding, laundry, shopping, medications, transportation and so on.
Medications: Plan to take over the management of medications or hire a home health agency to send a nurse and monitor medications over time. Use pill boxes and provide clear instructions and time on when the medications are to be given.
Transportation: Consider adding the live-in to the auto insurance as a driver if they are going to drive the family vehicles.
Background check: Be sure you do a background check and check referrals sources.
Labor Laws: check your State and Federal laws for minimum wages and over-time for caregivers and live-ins, over-time.
Employee or Independent Contractor: Again check with your State labor department and the IRS on how best to pay your live-in. Some live-ins may ask for CASH as payment, if this is the case keep records with receipts to file taxes.
Mail and Bills: Determine who is to receive the mail and pay household bills.
Record Keeping: Keep a personnel file which includes a resume, referrals, copy of driver’s license, copy of social security card, IRS W-2 or W-9 form, USCIS form I-9 and emergency contact information for caregiver. Copies of checks or record of payments.
Other considerations:
Assisted Living Facility (ALF): In some cases you may consider an Assisted Living facility this requires your love one to move out of their home and into another home with shared living quarters.
Home Health Agency: Using a Home Health Agency you can work with them to make a schedule for when you really need someone to take care of your love ones. Your love ones may only need help while you are at work or out of the house.
Adult Day Care: like day care for children there are Adult day care that specialize in taking care of elderly clients during the day typically from 8:00am to 5:00pm. They include meals like breakfast and lunch and many actives throughout the day.
You may also combine the services of a home health agency with an adult day care. You have the home health agency to provide staff before and after the day care.
