Seven Critical Questions

Seven Critical Questions to Ask

1. What happens if the caregiver becomes ill or isn’t available? Can the agency or the independent caregiver make immediate arrangements to provide continuous service to the person in need?
2. Who has legal responsibilities for social security and federal and state taxes, as well as unemployment insurance?
3. Is the caregiver legal to work in the U.S. and can the agency or the caregiver provide legal documentation of the caregiver’s status?
4. If the caregiver is injured, who is responsible for medical and other costs, such as unemployment? Many homeowner insurance policies specially exclude such injuries via clauses called “domestic employee exclusions”.
5. Have all proper checks been completed including a criminal history background check, a state abuse registry check, and have prior work references been contacted?
6. Is the caregiver bonded and insured to cover any injury to the client, damage or theft?
7. Assuming a family member is not available to supervise paid caregivers at all times, what kind of documentation will be provided to substantiate the completion of services? What kind of proof will the family have that their loved ones is actually receiving the much needed care for which the family is paying?

If a potential caregiver doesn’t have the time or resources to answer these important questions, it’s probably best to seek out a professional home care agency that takes responsibility for background checks, taxes and insurance liabilities.

At Home Helpers, we have the resources to take those precautions in order to provide peace of mind to those we serve. An important part of providing highly personalized and flexible care is making sure the family is protected, too.

Have any other questions about in-home care? You can call us at (740) 267-4119 or you can contact us online today.