How to find qualified caregivers for your loved ones

Tough Decisions

 Finding qualified caregivers for your loved ones

By Linda DeGraffenreid, Unlimited Care, LIVING WELL Magazines (Texas markets)

Today, there are many options for you to consider when the time comes that a loved one can no longer function at a level of independence that maintains their current health and safety in their present environment. This process will become one of the hardest decisions that you will ever have to make. Choosing what is best for a loved one can and will be DIFFICULT. It still remains a proven fact that patients allowed to remain in their own home where they feel safe, secure and comfortable with care provided by a qualified caregiver is the NUMBER ONE OPTION. This allows your loved one the same kind of care that would be provided in an institutional facility but with one-on-one care at all times.

Careful consideration should be given when a family member decides to become the caregiver. Understanding the issues that can arise in this circumstance is of utmost importance. There are times in this setting where not only the patient loses a sense of purpose or loss, the family caregiver may also lose a sense of self, while caring for a loved one. The feeling of ISOLATION is one of the most alarming statistics faced by a family member caring for their loved one 24/7. Depression, as well as low self-esteem, takes over when one feels alone in this role. Statistics also show that family caregivers will put their health on the back burner while caring for a loved one, sometimes to the point that they do not out live the one they are caring for.

One of the largest issues overlooked when hiring private caregivers is that you become the EMPLOYER, and may be required to pay your employee’s social security, unemployment and payroll taxes. Even if the private caregiver represents her/his self as an independent contractor, which would appear on the surface to relieve you of these tax obligations, the courts have found that it is the employer’s responsibility to verify that the contractor is indeed paying the appropriate taxes. If your private employee says they are paying their taxes and it is later determined that was not the case, the responsibility for those taxes may fall directly on you, the employer. This can mean back taxes, interest, civil fines and possible criminal penalties.   Professional agencies may pay caregivers less per hour or a day than a private employer pays because the agency is required to make sure all taxes are paid.

Among other services that a licensed professional agency provides:

  • Criminal & background checks and credit & reference checks. This is an agency’s basic step in hiring a qualified caregiver.
  • Supervision and periodic visits on their field staff. Contact with the families and clients to be sure everything is going well and the patient is being well cared for. Our registered nurses on staff monitor and set up medications according to doctor’s orders and provide families with updated information as needed.
  • Immediate replacements. When the agency’s caregiver needs time off for illness, personal issues, or simply fails to work out as hoped, the agency will provide a replacement caregiver immediately. All hiring and firing is done by the professional agency.
  • Insurance. The professional agency provides the following: occupational insurance, general & professional liability insurances, bonding and state licenses.

Private caregivers rarely carry any of these insurances and licenses due to the high costs.  If a private caregiver is injured while working as your employee, you could be held liable for all medical expenses and disability coverage. If a private caregiver fails to perform her/his duties and injures your loved one you may be held liable. Bonding protects you from theft or property damage. A Texas state license requires an agency to meet all the state’s regulations and guidelines.

At Unlimited Care of North Texas, Inc., we take pride in our caregivers and the way we create the give and take in the relationships with our clients and families. The focus is always on maintaining as much consistent care from a primary caregiver as possible. Our mission is providing our valued clients freedom and independence, while striving to create an environment of respect and dignity.

Please contact Unlimited Care today at 940-390-0493 for additional information or questions.