Hiring any type of caregiver can be a daunting thought for your family and for the loved one requiring assistance.

Using a reputable agency can allay most of your fears – their carers have been background checked, tested and trained and deemed professional and trustworthy – and all that’s left is to find a personality match and a good bedside manner.

Hiring an independent caregiver provides no such comfort.

Homecare agencies provide caregivers that are licensed and bonded. If someone is injured while in your home, your biggest concern is for their wellbeing, and perhaps choosing a card or flowers to cheer them while they recuperate.

If you’ve hired privately, the headache is unfortunately all yours.

Hiring an independent caregiver automatically makes you an employer in the eyes of the IRS.

If your new caregiver has not been sourced through an agency, according to the IRS, “If a privately hired caregiver is paid more than $2,100 per year (2019), they are considered to be a household employee, not an independent contractor. Therefore, the family hiring the independent caregiver takes on all the responsibilities of being an employer including payroll and taxes.”

A home health agency can help take this burden off of your shoulders.