Private duty help at home: 3 things to consider

by Christian Schreiber, staff blogger

When you begin to feel you need a little extra help at home — with getting out of bed, or remembering to take your meds, or light housekeeping — you might decide to hire a private duty caregiver. "Private duty" caregivers can provide non-medical help with a variety of daily activities.

There are two basic options when it comes to private duty care: "independent" or "agency." An independent private duty caregiver is an individual you pay directly for your caregiving needs, as opposed to paying an agency to send one of their caregiving employees. Paying an independent caregiver is usually less expensive, but the risks can be higher. Consider the following:

1. Taxes

Agency: When you work through an agency, the agency assures that the legal requirements for taxes are properly addressed.

Independent: If you hire an independent caregiver, IRS regulations classify you as that person’s employer, and you become liable for:

• Social Security Taxes

• Unemployment compensation

• Payroll taxes

• Interest on any payments owed

• Possible civil fines of up to $100,000

• Possible criminal penalties

2. Workers compensation, and general and professional liability

Agency: When you work through an agency, the agency is responsible for workers compensation, and they carry insurance to cover general and professional liability.

Independent: If you hire an independent, private duty caregiver, you could be responsible to pay all of the caregiver’s medical expenses and disability coverage if he or she is injured while working for you. If your private caregiver doesn’t have insurance, you will be liable if the caregiver is injured on your property. You could also be considered liable if the caregiver fails to perform his or her duties or causes injury to you, a loved one, or a third party.

3. Peace of mind

Agency: When deciding which agency to hire, choose one that is licensed by state regulators, assuring quality oversight. Licensing gives you the assurance that the caregivers are bonded, which protects you from theft or damage to property. Agencies that are licensed also do background checks, drug screenings, TB tests, and competency evaluations on all their caregivers, to assure that you receive the best care, under the direction of a health care professional, with a care plan that is being properly followed.

Independent: If you hire an independent caregiver, it is up to you to screen this person and make sure he or she can be trusted in your home, with your personal well-being.

In Illinois, Providence At Home is state-licensed to offer a variety of services, both medical and non-medical. In fact, our caregivers are people who see their work as a ministry. You'll sense the difference as soon as they walk in the door. When you're ready to start exploring the at-home care options available, contact the Providence At Home office nearest you to ask for an info pack:

• South Holland, Illinois - 708-331-2005
• Homer Glen, Illinois - 708-301-3229
• St. John, Indiana - 219-365-3229

Or use our convenient online form to request the information you need.

We understand the risks of hiring at-home help. Providence At Home is here to give you the services you need and the peace of mind you deserve!