Should I hire an independent contractor?

"I regularly am asked about the pros and cons of hiring an in-home caregiver directly, an “independent contractor,” versus having the services provided by an agency."

"Key considerations when exploring hiring an independent contractor to care for a loved one:"

"Strongly Recommended (Pre-Hire)
• Criminal Background Check
• Drug Testing
• Employment Verification
• Reference Checks"

"Required (While Caregiver is an Employee)
NOTE – Even if you both agree that the caregiver is an independent contractor, the IRS will very likely disagree and hold you personally accountable for the following:
• Social Security
• Medicare
• State and Federal Unemployment
• State and Federal Payroll Taxes
• Workers Compensation"

"Other Considerations
NOTE – Many homeowners insurance policies specifically exclude coverage for an in-home employee.
• Bonding
• Professional Liability Insurance
• General Liability Insurance
• Scheduling
• Training
• Supplies"

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"Sam, you are so right in all of your points regarding employment of private duty caregivers. Thank you for sharing such excellent words of advise."

"Our senior population is very vulnerable. It is absolutely a best practice to hire an accredited agency whenever possible. Although cost is often a concern the cost involved for hiring outside an agency can be so much greater."

"Thanks again for sharing this Sam.
Happy Holidays to all
Nancy Beland, Starfish Resources
www.starfishresources.net"

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"I agree. Thanks for sharing and providing insight."

"Tiffany Carol
Home Care Assistance
http://www.homecareassistance.com/"

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"Thats a fantastic information there, but I would suggest that we should rather choose a home care agency for our loved one rather than a independent carer, because if all above things we interviewed and all is fine but we still do not have any control over the leaves he takes and we do not have any substitute if he is absent for a day, but private agencies will surely send a substitute carer that will not effect our schedule.
-——-
Faisal Naqvi
Discussing about Home care & Home Help"

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"I agree with Faisal. Choosing a good home care agency that provides comprehensive support is important. I work for tulsa home healthcare and it has really skilled caregivers."

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"I also agree with the Faisal. Home care agency gives you more facilities than an individual carer. These home care and home help agencies provide our seniors best home assistance with a qualified and well trained carer.
-——
Nicola Daly
Home care and Home Help Advisor"

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"I totally agree. Hiring an “independent contractor” sets up an already vulnerable older adult with potentially huge liability. My advice – stick with a reputable agency to provide home care. But even then, do your homework to ensure you’re getting the service you want to provide the quality of life your loved one deserves."

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