My mom is 87 years old. I am blessed to still have her in my life. You won't be surprised to learn that her health is not good. She suffers from dementia, and a host of other age related conditions. She is ambulatory and decidedly wants to stay in her apartment, and when the time comes die at home. She may not get her heart's desire, however my dad, siblings and I are determined to do all that is practical to make this happen. This is the rare post that I am writing in first person based on my own experiences, experience that when shared with friends are met with an amazing number of "Oh my gosh, me too!"

Topics: Hiring Elder care, hiring care for seniors

Your toddler is a bundle of energy. Play is your toddler’s work. There are times, however, when just sitting down and having snuggle time is important, especially when winter weather limits activities or a cold or a flu has your child (or you) feeling down.

Topics: nanny job satisfaction, nanny training

California's Wage Theft Prevention Act (WTPA) requires all employers to provide an annual notice to employees that includes details of their hourly and overtime pay rates. 

Topics: california household employment, wage theft prevention

(3rd in a 3 part series)

Topics: nanny employment termination

(2nd in a 3 part series)

Topics: nanny employment termination

The Supreme Court’s ruled last month (United States v. Windsor, U.S., No. 12-307, 6/26/13) that the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) violated the constitutional guarantee of equal protection when applied to same-sex couples who were legally married under state law. What does this mean for household employers?

Topics: calculate nanny payroll tax, nanny tax calculator, household paycheck calculator

The minimum hourly wage that applies to a G-5 or A-3 domestic service worker increased effective July 1, 2013. G-5 and A-3 domestics are personal attendants who are citizens of a foreign country admitted to the United States to perform domestic service functions for other foreign nationals who are working in the US on diplomatic visas. The minimum hourly wage these domestic workers can be paid is set by metropolitan area using payroll data compiled by the US Department of Labor and is known as the prevailing wage.

Topics: G5 domestic, GV domestic

We read with interest this wonderful article about when families with an aged elder family member in the household hit the crossroads - the elder needs more care and attention than the family caregivers can provide and keep their own sanity.

Topics: elder care, senior caregivers, companionship services

California's Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights, AB 241, was significantly amended on May 28. This is important for household employers, as the mandatory off duty meal break provision and mandatory paid vacation/time off provisions were stricken from the bill.

Topics: domestic workers bill of rights

Whether it be the vacation rental at the beach, a resort vacation, a trip or a cruise, many families find vacation more restful and enjoyable when they agree to taking a nanny on vacation with them to help.

Topics: nanny vacation