Given the choice, most independent seniors in Naples would prefer to remain at home for as long as possible. And although that’s an admirable goal, roughly two-thirds of all aging adults eventually need caregiving assistance to maintain their independence. When that time comes, families must make difficult decisions about their loved one’s care, including whether to hire a professional caregiver directly or go through an agency. What follows are some things you’ll need to know before making your decision.
Families often believe they will save money by hiring a caregiver directly versus working with an agency. While they may be quite capable of caring for your loved one, be sure to consider these factors first:
For federal tax purposes, someone is classified as your household employee if you dictate what work they perform in the home environment, and how that work is done. An independent caregiver is technically your household employee if they receive instructions on how to care for your loved one from you or another family member and you provide the equipment and supplies they need.
Conversely, self-employed individuals like independent contractors decide how they perform their work and furnish their own supplies and equipment. That said, most private-duty caregivers are not independent contractors. Be sure you understand the difference.
Once you’ve determined that your private caregiver will be classified as a household employee, the next step is to verify they can legally work in the United States. That will require the two of you to fill out IRS Form I-9(Employment Eligibility Verification) and produce documentation that proves their eligibility to work in the US.
Although the completed I-9 Form does not have to be formally filed with any US government agency, you, as their employer, must keep a copy for your records. You’ll also need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and document your household employee’s Social Security number.
The federal and state tax amount that you must contribute for an independent caregiver who is a household employee will vary depending on which state you live in and how much you pay for their services.
For example, in California, a household employer is defined by the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD) as anyone “who has paid $750 or more in cash wages (checks and cash) to one or more household workers in a calendar quarter.” If you are paying a private caregiver $15 to $20 an hour, hitting that threshold won’t take long.
Once that threshold is met, by law you must withhold State Disability Insurance (SDI) from the wages paid out and remit the withheld money to the EDD. If you pay more than $1,000 in wages during a calendar quarter, you must also remit Unemployment Insurance and Employment Training Tax payments to the EDD.
With all these requirements, it’s vital to maintain detailed records related to your employee’s wages and taxes. Employment tax records must also be kept for at least four years after whichever is later, the due date of the tax return or the date when the taxes were paid.
Each time you pay the caregiver, be sure to record the date of the payment and itemize the following:
Most home care agencies hire caregivers as employees, while others arrange for the services of home care workers on an independent contractor basis – also known as 1099. Known as “registries,” their caregivers are not employees but rather employed directly by the clients. If you hire a registry that contracts out their work, you’ll be dealing with most of the same issues mentioned above.
These are the benefits of hiring an employee caregiver through a reputable home care agency:
A home care agency that employs caregivers is not only bonded and insured, but they also cover their employees under worker’s compensation. Independent (direct hire) caregivers not employed by an agency do not carry liability insurance or worker’s compensation. If an accident or other incident occurs on the job, you would likely be responsible, which could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
An agency will also screen its employees during the recruiting and hiring process, including a thorough criminal background check and drug test. That saves you the time and expense of doing so.
This key aspect is not included in the average registry provider’s business model. If the caregiver is not performing up to your expectations, for instance, they repeatedly arrive late or miss shifts, you are on your own and will need to speak to the caregiver directly.
Home care agencies implement disciplinary policies that help their employees improve. Once you voice your concerns to a supervisor, they will speak to the caregiver or, if you prefer, send you a different caregiver. As opposed to a registry or direct hire, agencies also have backup plans in the event your regular caregiver is unavailable.
Because there is no risk of a labor relationship, training is yet another dimension that only reputable home care agencies can deliver. If hiring a caregiver directly, the client must assess the quality and skill of the caregiver. This becomes even more essential if they require hands-on personal care or have limited mobility, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.
A trusted home care agency routinely trains and tests its caregivers, giving you one less thing to worry about!
Although hiring an independent contractor will cost less per hour, saving money should not be primary determinant when your or your loved one’s care weighs in the balance. Agency advantages such as experience, training, supervision, and peace of mind usually result in better caregiving outcomes and more satisfied clients that you cannot put a price tag on.
Most seniors aren’t interested in becoming an employer, filing payroll taxes, or obtaining worker’s compensation and liability insurance. When having “the talk” about home care with your senior, please remember they are trying to make their life easier, not harder.
When you need caregiving assistance, contact Home Instead in Naples. While proudly serving families in Naples, Fort Meyers, and Charlotte County, we are a licensed, bonded, and insured home care provider with highly trained professionals who are experts at delivering the nurturing our clients’ need. As an extended family in your senior’s home, our compassionate caregivers can perform duties like light housekeeping, personal care, dementia care, companionship care, medication reminders, and even live-in and 24-hour care.
Our agency’s focus is maintaining your loved one’s quality of life, as well as their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our in-home services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit us at homeinsteadswfl.com now to learn more about us or to schedule a FREE initial consultation for a senior in our service area.
The respiratory system, like many of the other human systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive), is a wondrously complex and sophisticated arrangement of organs working together to maintain homeostasis.Contact an Office in Your AreaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly referred to as COPD, is a health problem facing adults in the U.S. Because of its progressive nature and increased age as a leading factor, there is a greater prevalence of COPD in seniors. The good news is that many adults can easily reduce their risk of COPD through lifestyle management. COPD represents a group of lung diseases, with the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.Symptoms of COPD includeConstant coughingWheezingShortness of breathCoughing up mucusTightness in the chestResearch also suggests that there may be a link between poor air quality and COPD. The American Lung Association estimates that between 80-90% of COPD cases result from smoking. Unsurprisingly, secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor as well. Seniors should take the following steps to reduce their risk of COPD:Older adults that smoke should get support from a primary care physician and take steps to quit. There are many programs, services, and products that can help.Seniors should avoid contact with secondhand smoke whenever possible.Reducing exposure to air pollution can help relieve symptoms. Many cities issue poor air quality warnings when these warnings are in effect, seniors should limit outside activities. Seniors should avoid airborne irritants (chemicals, fumes, etc.) in the home.A healthy diet and exercise plan can improve lung function and overall health with direction from a physician.Older adults should understand the impact of aging on their respiratory system and reduce their risk of any related diseases, illnesses, or conditions.Doctors may recommend getting vaccinations for both influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to guard against further breathing complications.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers elevates the human spirit for todays seniors and their families through a unique, individualized approach to care that helps seniors thrive and achieve greater wellbeing by fostering everyday positive moments, connection, and a more purposeful life no matter their age or acuity. As part of a healthcare team, an in-home caregiver can assist with activities that slow disease progression or reduce the risk for those with respiratory issues. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help by supporting physician-recommended health programs, preparing meals, encouraging prescribed physical activity, reminding seniors to take medications, and providing transportation to scheduled appointments. References:Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Web. 2018.Everyday Health. 5 Best Ways to Prevent COPD by Chris Iliades, MD. Web. 2018.Aging Care. An Overview of COPD by National Institutes of Health. Web. 2017.Unity Point Health. The Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases. Web. 2014.American Lung Association. Lung Capacity and Aging. Web. 2017.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Respiratory Disease. Web. 2017.
As seniors age, physical activities can have not only positive physical effects, but positive cognitive effects as well.Contact an Office in Your AreaIn one study, 100 nursing-home residents performed resistance exercises three times a week for 10 weeks. At the end, the exercise group could lift significantly more weight, climb more stairs, and walk faster and farther than their sedentary counterparts.Its been proven time and again that exercise is good for seniors physical and mental health. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, can improve mood, relieve stress and improve health. According to the CDC, four of the five most expensive health conditions older adults face can be prevented or managed with physical activity. But, only about 35% of adults over the age of 65 are physically active. Any senior starting a new exercise plan should consult with their physician. And, it is helpful for family and members of the care team to assist and support physical activity in any way they can. For those that are physically able to begin an exercise program, regular movement can help them live a more vibrant and healthy life. Some of the health benefits include:Improved mental health, mood and outlookPrevention, or improvement of, diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and osteoporosisReduced pain from arthritis and minimizing its severityDecreased risk of fallsEach individual has different needs when it comes to exercise and varying health conditions that may need to be taken into consideration before beginning an exercise regimen. A health professional to determine the best approach to physical activity with senior care.There are a variety of ways to incorporate aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, stretching and balance all without leaving the comfort of home! Aerobic exercise Walking in place, dancing or aerobic routines can help get the heart rate up. These activities improve cardiovascular health and help older adults maintain a healthy weight. Strength building exercises there are many easy strength-building exercises that can help seniors build the muscles they need to do everyday activities and prevent muscle loss. And, exercises can be done with household items or using body weight, so no expensive equipment is required. Stretching Stretching before and after exercise can help prevent soreness after exercise. And, the additional benefit is improved flexibility, which is good for older adults physical health. For those looking to improve their flexibility even more, there are exercise routines available online that include yoga or stretching routines specifically for seniors.Balance exercises Balance exercises help seniors prevent falls and improve mobility. Yoga, tai chi, and other low-impact activities can all help improve balance and overall physical health.Those that need a little assistance getting started should not hesitate to reach out to their doctor, family or caregiver. It is never too late to adopt an active lifestyle! Comfort Keepers Can HelpFor seniors that need a little extra help living an active lifestyle, Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with physician-prescribed exercise plans. And, caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today. ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults Need More Physical Activity. Web. 2019.Health and Human Services. Facts & Statistics: Physical Activity. Web. 2017.National Council on Aging. Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness. Web.Readers Digest Canada, 5 of the Best Exercises for Seniors to Build Strength, Improve Balance and Boost Heart Health. Web. Harvard Health Publishing. Exercise after age 70. Web. 2007.
More Americans are choosing to age in place. That is, they opt to stay in their homes rather than move to alternative retirement settings.But that often means they must modify their home, so it's not a danger to their safety and health when their physical abilities change.A new career field has risen to address this need: the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a program of the National Association of Home Builders. Certified individuals assess homes to identify and recommend modifications to prevent injuries from falls and other risks.According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one-third of Americans age 65 and over fall each year. The CDC adds that environmental factors lead to about half of all falls that occur at home. In addition to tripping hazards and poor lighting, these factors include a lack of needed modifications, such as bathroom grab bars, handicapped showers, stair railings and ramps. The organization offers a checklist to make sure an older adult's home is as safe as possible.Home modifications help seniors maintain quality of life. They often prevent injuries that lead to a loss of independence and early admission to an assisted living or long-term care facility.The following are examples of commonly recommended modifications:Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seatRemove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slippingMove furniture to create clear walking pathsKeep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent trippingReplace doorknobs with lever door handlesApply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor stepsReplace standard light switches with rocker-style switchesIncrease the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and, where possible, lower sinks and countertopsMove often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stoolsRepair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairwaysInstall an elevator or chair liftInstall an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy accessReplace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burnsReplace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standingShedding Light on Home ModificationWhen modifying a home for a senior, don't forget the importance of good lighting. Seniors need two to three times as much light in order to see as well as younger people.Good lighting -- in the form of natural light -- provides seniors safety and other advantages:Sunlight provides a good dose of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Choose window treatments that let in sunlight, without glare, to enhance the health of seniors, many of who get outside less than they used to.Daylight also improves psychological health. It lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.