Traditionally there are 4 different options for hiring a caregiver in Northeast Ohio, this sheet is a brief summary of the differences between those options. While this deals with federal law, state law, and tax law this is not intended to be nor should it be taken to be legal advice. Please seek the advice of an attorney or accountant for more specific information regarding your situation.
Options Summary
One
The first and oldest option is hiring someone on your own with no help from an agency. You find these people through the list maintained by the local hospital, running an advertisement in a local newspaper or on-line, or by word of mouth. You call them, interview them, negotiate a pay rate, hire them, and pay them their salary directly. If the caregiver is sick or takes vacation, you are responsible for finding a replacement caregiver for that shift. If the caregiver or the person receiving care is harmed in any way, the client and or caregiver will need to take responsibility.
Two
The second option is using an "independent contractor" agency. (These are also known as registries or placement agencies.) With this option you call an agency that has already recruited caregivers. The agency does their best to match you with caregivers who are available for your location, the type of care, and hours you need. They contact the caregivers, negotiate the rate for the work, and connect you with the caregiver. If the caregiver is sick or takes vacation, the agency will do their best to find a replacement caregiver. You employ the caregiver directly, they are your employee. Therefore, you issue them a paycheck and issue the agency a check for their fee - this is called a 2 check system.
Three
The third option is the same as the second, except the home care company charges a one-time fee rather than an ongoing fee.
Four
The fourth option is using a "Private Duty" agency. This option starts out working the same as the independent contractor option. The agency has already done the caregiver recruitment. The agency does their best to match you with caregivers who are available for the location and the type of care. To accomplish this goal, the agency will send a representative to your home to help you assess your needs and the safety of the home. The agency will also make periodic reassessments to ensure the proper level of care is being provided.
If the assigned caregiver is sick or takes vacation, the agency will do their best to find a replacement caregiver for that shift. In this option, the caregiver is an employee of the agency. The agency bills you a set amount and handles all employment issues for its employees including payroll tax, workers compensation, unemployment insurance, personal and general liability, personal bond, etc...
To Find Out Who Is Responsible For What For Each Option contact:
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