Benefits of Hiring Your Caregiver through an Agency

Mom or Dad needs help in the home, and you think you can find a caregiver on your own and cut costs – but what you don’t know about paying privately for a caregiver could cost you big.

• responsibility for payroll taxes
• responsibility to follow labor laws and state regulations
• finding workers comp insurance
• interviewing and doing background checks
• no backup plan if your caregiver is sick or leaves unexpectedly

Here is a list comparing your responsibilities and services provided when you use a Licensed Agency (like Eldercare Services) vs a Registry vs privately hiring a Caregiver.

*In most cases, a privately hired caregiver is considered an employee. CA labor laws apply.

For more information: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DomesticWorkerBillOfRights-FAQ.html

Protect yourself by using a trusted source for caregiving. Then you can be sure that source is covering all the necessary taxes, insurances, and offers some benefits to the caregivers you are entrusting with the lives of those you love. Not all “home care agencies” cover the employer responsibilities – so ask if the agency you choose is the employer or if you have legal responsibilities you were not aware of!

The team at Eldercare Services is available to assist in finding solutions to your care needs with a complimentary assessment. All of our caregivers are employees who are screened, bonded, insured, and have undergone a comprehensive background check. We pay their taxes and workers’ compensation, as well as provide benefits including health insurance. Our caregivers are extensively trained by our professional staff, and we offer 24/7 support for any care or scheduling issues that may arise. We are among only a few Home Geriatric Care agencies in Northern California to be accredited by the Joint Commission and to have earned its Gold Seal of Approval.

Click here to download a printable version of this chart.