Providing quality care in your home...
13. Workers who apply for or use government benefits such as student aid, food stamps, or health care must sign affidavits stating their true income. This is checked against tax reports and estimated living expenses. Inconsistencies can trigger an investigation. Unpaid taxes, penalties, and fines can equal the wages paid.
14. A care giver's hourly wage is often an indication of their skill, dependability, and trustworthiness. Families and agencies who skimp on wages often receive poor if not risky service.
15. If you hired someone to provide care, you need to be able and willing to supervise them, accurately calculate their pay, and fire them if needed.
16. If you hire a care giver yourself, create a written agreement stating their hourly wage, expected tasks, expected days and hours they are to work, and the time and day they will be paid. You need to provide them with a W-4 form so you can report their wages. Withholding for income taxes is optional, but they are responsible for paying them.
17. If you hire a care giver yourself, diligently look into their background. Check for court convictions using internet services, speak directly to past employers, get solid explanations for periods they say they were not employed.
18. Keep some social distance from care givers in your home. Treat them fairly and with respect, but avoid becoming involved in their lives and vice verse. Do not loan or give them your possessions, including money, cars, appliances, or jewelry. If you do, tell your relatives first.
19. Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, and Medi-Cal rarely cover in-home care services. These services are most often paid out of pocket or by long-term care insurance. Medi-Cal recipients should contact County Social Services about In Home Supportive Services (IHSS).
20. If you have long-term care insurance, they may reimburse you for home care service. Know the company's eligibility requirements, confirm that your service will be covered, learn what the documentation requirements are, what is the reimbursement you will receive, how to send them the documentation, and the waiting time for payment.
21. Using a reputable home aide agency relieves the consumer of tax liabilities, supervisor responsibilities, and provides professional liability and worker's compensation insurance coverage. A good agency will also develop a service plan and supervise their staff to follow it.
Webmaster and Design: Andrea Maritzer Fine © 2012
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We strive to meet each of these ten standards continually for each client. Your needs are systematically assessed to create an individualized service plan.
We assumed all was done correctly. After mother passed away, we received a letter from the California Franchise Tax Board.
Things You Should Know
Before Hiring a Care Giver
Consumers must be diligent about who they select to provide home aide services.
