When Mike and Joyce welcomed Mike’s mother into their home following the loss of her husband, they also hired a part-time caregiver to assist with some of her daily needs. Opting for simplicity in a challenging time and not realizing there were employment obligations, they agreed to a $500 weekly payment off the books—a decision that seemed mutually beneficial at the outset. The caregiver proved invaluable over the nearly three years she worked with them, parting ways amicably when Mike’s mother transitioned to a nursing facility.

Topics: aging in place, eldercare, Hiring Elder care, hiring care for seniors, Senior Caregiver Payroll

Good communication that establishes a mutual understanding is necessary when hiring a nanny, senior caregiver, or other household employee to work in your home. When it comes to defining benefits such as paid holidays, the details matter to ensure there is no misunderstanding about how these holidays will be compensated. If the employee often works more than 40 hours per week, defining this benefit and clarifying expectations becomes even more critical. Let’s examine how labor laws determine when overtime is due and how guaranteed pay alters the picture.

Topics: overtime rules, household employee, household employer, hiring a nanny, time tracking, nanny hourly wage, domestic employer legal responsibilities, nanny overtime, Hiring Elder care, Senior Caregiver Payroll

Introducing a caregiver into your home is a significant step. That's why many families and caregivers agree to a trial period at the outset of their working relationship. This period, which can last from a few hours to several days, allows both parties to get to know each other better and decide if the arrangement will work for the long term. However, it’s important to remember that even during this initial stage, a caregiver is considered an employee, and all labor laws apply from the moment they step into your home.

Topics: hiring a nanny, interview a nanny, Hiring Elder care, interviewing elder care applicants, temporary household worker, employment compliance

When you hire a new household employee, it's important to handle the process carefully and thoroughly. Whether you're welcoming a nanny, a senior caregiver, or a household chef, understanding the key steps can help ensure a smooth integration into your home and family life. Here are several essential considerations to remember as you begin this important journey.

Topics: household employee taxes, caregiver payroll, household staffing agency, household employee, hiring a nanny, nanny employment practices, nanny payroll, nanny payroll tax, nannies, nanny tax, nanny employee, domestic employer legal responsibilities, household payroll, Hiring Elder care, hiring care for seniors, domestic worker, caregiver management

As your loved one starts to age, it is important to determine what type of care for them is best. Nursing homes or assisted living centers are not meant for everyone. Many seniors and their families want to be in the comfort of their own homes if possible. Getting dressed, managing medications, cooking, and cleaning the home can get harder and harder and for scenarios like this, hiring an in-home caregiver is a great option. If you are considering finding an adult caregiver to work in your loved one’s home, here are some benefits.

Topics: senior caregivers, aging in place, eldercare, caregiver, Hiring Elder care, senior home care, senior home caregiver, agency, COVID-19

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

Do you have a aging loved one who may need senior care while you go to work every day? Are you feeling overwhelmed with your caregiving responsibilities?

More families are considering the possibility of privately hiring senior home care for someone it their family as a way to help their loved ones age in place in a safe and happy environment. This is uncharted territory for most people, and adult children who may have hired nannies to care for their children years ago wonder what they need to consider when hiring  senior home care assistance.

Topics: senior caregivers, Hiring Elder care, hiring care for seniors

I spoke to a prospective client today on the phone. She just hired a senior caregiver - a woman she calls "Mom's helper" - to come in daily to assist her mother around the house. Her mother has had a series of falls recently, none serious, and needs basic help and companionship at home during the day while her daughter is working. As a sandwich generation daughter of a mother with similar issues with aging, I completely understood why she took this step and the challenges she faces trying to balance her Mom's needs and her own professional and economic needs.

Topics: aging in place, household employer, senior care, Hiring Elder care, nanny tax case study

Topics: elder care, employment authorization, workers compensation household employees, Hiring Elder care

Navigating the roadmap of senior home care can be challenging, and the everchanging laws make it even more overwhelming. We are receiving an increasing number of emails regarding the so-called "Nanny Tax," and other concerns surrounding private household employment of senior home caregivers. In response to these questions, we decided to address the top three Elder Care FAQ’s

Topics: elder care, eldercare, household employee, nanny tax, Hiring Elder care, senior home care