Being your own boss sounds great in any profession, including senior home care. Due to the growing demand for professional in-home caregivers, most have the option of being self-employed or working for a home care agency. If you live in Naples and currently find yourself in this position, there are pros and cons of each. Should you work for an agency or work for yourself? Read on to learn more about how to answer that life-changing question.
For reasons that include the potential to earn more money, be your own boss, and create your own schedule, working for yourself can be tempting. But there are also pitfalls to working as an independent caregiver; ones you need to be made aware of.
For starters, professional in-home caregiving comes with high risk. After all, another human being’s health and even life are in your hands. You may also find yourself working one-on-one with clients in their private residences with no one else around. When self-employed, it’s your responsibility to obtain sufficient liability coverage and ensure you are working with trustworthy individuals.
If you wish to obtain additional training or certifications to specialize in an area such as Alzheimer’s or dementia care, you’ll need to do that on your own too. Notably, if you are new to a community like Naples, you’ll also have to market your services until you can get enough clients to pay the bills.
Then, and perhaps most importantly, there are the federal income tax implications. While it may seem logical for you as an independent contractor to file your taxes using Form 1099, the IRS may have other ideas. InPublication 926, the IRS clearly states that domestic workers (those who work in a family’s home) are considered to be household employees (W-2) and not independent contractors (1099).
The main difference between employees and independent contractors is the tax forms they must file. As a household employee, you are required to file your personal income tax return using a W-2 form, which shows the wages you earned and the taxes your employer – or employers –withheld from you throughout the year.
Your employer, in this case, your caregiving client, should provide a W-2 form by the end of January following the year in which you worked for them. Conversely, independent contractors file Form 1099 themselves to report payments they’ve received throughout the year and taxes they’ve paid to the IRS.
In addition to income tax reporting, the IRS says that the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor relies on which party controls the working relationship. If the client dictates employment details, such as the days and hours you work or specific procedures you must follow, they are a household employer, and you are their employee (W-2).
Someone who is a rightful independent contractor notifies the client when they are available to work and arrive when it is convenient for them. That caregiver would perform their job on their terms and may have several other clients they are working with simultaneously. They would also be able to find other caregivers to relieve them when unable to work, which employees are rarely allowed to do.
When filing Form 1099, and because you are self-employed, you are required to pay twice as much (15.3% vs. 7.65%) in Social Security and Medicare taxes as would an actual employee. If misclassified as an independent contractor, you also won’t be eligible for unemployment benefits if you lose your job through no fault of your own.
Why? Because the client/family is not paying unemployment insurance taxes to the state like they would be if you were a household employee. When you file for benefits, the state will have no record of the client being an employer and will deny your claim until the client pays all back taxes due. Worse yet, you and the client could be audited and required to pay additional back taxes and fines.
Bottom line: According to the IRS, most professional caregivers hired directly by an individual are not independent contractors but rather household employees.
Working for yourself can also be stressful for your clients. Because they are trying to make life easier and not harder, most seniors aren’t interested in becoming an employer, processing payroll, filing payroll taxes, and getting worker’s compensation and liability insurance.
While working for an agency as a W-2 employee, they will handle the payroll obligations for you. In addition to reducing your risk of getting audited, these are other pros of working for a reputable home care agency:
Most agencies are busy and constantly in need of caregivers, which means steady hours and reliable income for you. If your client no longer needs in-home caregiving, your employer will find you a new client. Not having to continuously market yourself and find new clients also means steady pay and more time for yourself.
One of the main advantages of working for a home care agency as a caregiver is that they assess and screen clients before you’re brought in. This fact can be a real time saver and safety enhancer if the potential client isn’t serious or seems difficult or unsafe to work with. Most agencies make every effort to match caregivers with compatible clients and families.
Working solo while caring for elderly and disabled individuals can be emotionally draining. Even if you spend most days working one-on-one with clients, being part of an agency means working with a team of care managers, schedulers, trainers, and office staff that support you in your job and value a healthy work-life balance.
If you’re with an agency, you’ll spend most of your time caregiving rather than managing business operations. Your employer will handle most administrative tasks, including scheduling, billing, finding a backup if you need to call out, client follow-up, and marketing. Professional caregivers who work for themselves must find time for all these other duties.
Independent caregivers miss out on numerous money-saving employee perks, such as paid training, pay increases, health insurance including vision and dental, paid time off, paid holidays, incentive programs, bonuses, referral fees, and backup care providers. As an agency employee, you can take advantage of these benefits.
Are you tired of working for yourself or otherwise prefer not to? If so, Home Instead invites you to join our winning team in Naples. Due to our expanding client load, we are currently seeking qualified individuals to fill several exciting caregiving positions. While proudly serving communities in Fort Myers, Charlotte County, and Cape Coral we support clients and their families with services that include Personal Care, Respite Care, Private Duty Care, 24-Hour Care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, and more.
As a highly valued member of the Home Instead team, you’ll enjoy a fast-paced, positive work environment where your input is valued and hard work rewarded. We also offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, ongoing staff training, and employee benefits galore. No matter your experience level or education, we’d love to hear from you! To learn more about our agency and our open positions, please visit us today at www.homeinsteadswfl.com.
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.