Advanced home care: The pre-employment process and how to hire

Many families have to make tough decisions when their aging relatives are no longer able to care for themselves and manage daily tasks. One such decision is, should the person be allowed to continue living in their own home with assistance, or is a nursing or retirement facility the right move? If the best option is to allow the relative to continue living in his or her own home, should you hire a professional caretaker independently, or work with an in-home care agency? And what does the pre-employment process look like for either option? In-Home Care Agencies These agencies are made up of many caretakers, often with a variety of skill sets that may be necessary for potential senior care jobs.  Pros:

• The agency does the vetting for you. They screen their own employees during the pre-employment process for criminal records and to ensure candidates have good references with previous employers.
• Depending on your family’s needs, the agency can provide you with an employee that has skills not only in senior care, but also companion care, housekeeping, hygiene and other necessities. If one employee does not have all the skills you require, the agency can easily sub in another.
• The agency remains the caretaker’s employer, and is responsible for taking care of any problems, including taxes, insurance and payroll. Your only responsibility is payment to the agency.

• There have been recent stories about employees at senior care facilities not completing criminal screening. Make sure you discuss this concern with any potential agency before trusting your family to them.

• Complete peace of mind, because you’ll be able to conduct your own background checks and view a candidate’s complete history during the pre-employment process. You can make your own decisions about who might be the best qualified to have in your relative’s home, and verify that all candidates have proper certification. You may also contact their previous employers directly.
• You’ll likely pay less for your home help because you don’t have the overhead or training costs that an agency might. You also know exactly what your money is going toward every week or month.

• You bear the brunt of any legal or tax-related problems. In order to hire someone as an independent employee, you must be registered with the IRS as an employer, and acquire an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can be penalized if you do not file the appropriate tax forms annually, or if you fail to comply with other state regulations. Keep very thorough records of financial transactions and tax forms if you choose to hire independently.