Hiring caregivers who are not affiliated with a company that provides proper caregiver management and training is a risk.  Most of them are hired without a background check or put through a thorough pre-screening process.  Caregivers from registries are also generally not provided with proper caregiver training.

Right at Home urges you to ask all independent caregivers or the referral agencies the following questions before you hire them: 

1. What happens if the caregiver becomes ill or isn’t available? Who will show up to take care of your loved one?

2. Who will manage the 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 referral agency or 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? Remember: Many homeowner insurance policies specifically exclude such injuries via clauses called domestic employee exclusions. This means the homeowner can be held responsible for the medical costs of an injured independent caregiver.

5. Has a criminal history background check and state abuse registry check been completed? Have prior work references been contacted? Families who hire caregivers not associated with an agency should conduct these procedures at their own expense.

6. Is the caregiver bonded and insured to cover any injury to the client, damage or theft? In addition, when an agency says it is “bonded,” family members should be sure to ask if their bond covers both injury and damages related to the caregiver working in the home.

7. What kind of documentation will be provided to substantiate the completion of services? In other words, what kind of proof will the family have that their loved one 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.

Turn to Right at Home to ensure your loved one receives care from a screened caregiver who is bonded, insured, trained and managed to give you and your family peace of mind.