Typically, what is the cost for a home companion?

If you want to hire a un-vetted caregiver you accept a lot of risks and tax liabilities. I'd never do it.

Responsibilities and Risks of Hiring an Independent Caregiver

There are many unexpected or hidden issues that consumers face when hiring caregivers privately for work in their home. You are creating a employer-employee relationship in most care situations. Both the worker and the consumer can suffer significant financial liabilities if they are not aware of the laws governing employment.

Payroll Taxes
Families of those receiving care are confronted by a confusing array of federal and state laws. The simplest and most direct requirement is that anyone who gets a paycheck must pay the government taxes. This includes social security, Medicare, federal and state unemployment, and state and federal payroll taxes.

When the consumer is the employer, they are responsible for compliance. If these taxes are not paid, the government may sue the consumer or their estate for back taxes, interest, and penalties.

If care is delivered over a long period of time, this tax responsibility can be substantial. Authorities can also seek civil fines and criminal penalties for nonpayment. Workers are also at risk. No payment into social security leaves them vulnerable in their old age, and no protection is afforded for periods of unemployment. Also, workers may not be receiving the minimum wage and overtime protection to which they may be entitled.

Work Related Injuries
Injuries are potentially the most financially devastating result for consumers and workers involved in an employer-employee relationship. If workers’ compensation protection is not provided (as mandated by law for employees in nearly every state), and the worker sustains an on-the-job accident, the liabilities can be substantial.

Medical costs and disability payments for workers can create financial hardship for even the wealthiest clients. For consumers who cannot afford to pay, the worker could be left with no help for a devastating injury.

Many consumers incorrectly assume that homeowner’s insurance will cover this type of loss. In fact, homeowner’s insurance usually specifically excludes employees in the home.

Abuse and Exploitation
Most workers who enter the home care industry are caring, giving people. Unfortunately, there are also those who know that it is very easy to take advantage of frail, functionally limited, often cognitively impaired clients.

Consumers and their families often do not have the resources to complete background investigations on their caregivers. This could subject the consumer to physical, psychological, or financial abuse. Families of the consumer can help, but time constraints and geographical distances make it difficult to monitor the situation.

The risks associated with entering into an employer-employee relationship often do not justify the perceived savings associated with lower costs. There are also many issues related to the instability of the work force and the possibility of a consumer being left alone when critical care is needed. This is especially concerning if family members live far from their loved one and cannot easily provide emergency or respite care if a regular caregiver doesn’t show up.

The safest solution for consumers considering in-home care is to use a reputable in-home care agency they have researched and trust. This can protect both the consumer and the employee from the issues outlined above.

You can do a search on google for "home companion seniors [plus your zip code]". This should bring up several agencies. Through an agency, depending upon where you live, it would probably cost between $15 and $25 per hour and maybe more. I would call several agencies to compare costs. If you know someone personally, you may be able to pay as little as $10 per hour, but you may have to take out taxes for that person, as an agency would for you. Make sure background checks are done and safeguard all valuables. Best of luck.

It depends on your area Here in South Florida if you hire someone directly it is going to run about $12 an hour at the minimum without using an agency. If you can get a relative or friend to move into a spare room and give you some support without paying rent it can be cheaper.

when you hire a stranger do you:
state mandated CORI (Criminal Offenders Record Information)
Social Security Skip Trace (with counties by counties background checks),
Sex Offender Registry
Auto Insurance Policy point check

USE AN AGENCY and make certain they do background checks

Homework solutions and some other companies handle payroll taxes and do background checks if you want to hire direct. Anyway just having an agency does not guarantee protection against theft or abuse.

I hire ladies from my church to sit with my wife in the nursing home from 4-6 PM daily so she can have a bit of social life and I can have a break from visiting during breakfast and lunch hours...I pay them $26 for their two hour shift...they do not do anything except visit and assist her with cutting up her food and brushing teeth and having evening devotions and prayer..

I asked my doctor and his staff about a reliable home care agency.They were able to tell me who many of their patients use and whom they recommend.
Many other friends, and family I talked to at random about the people they used in a northern county had some horror stories about things going missing from their home because of the people they used. One lady allowed her caregiver to use her car for an errand and the woman took off in the car and didn't come back. Another person's mother in law had rings missing. This is why it is a good idea to do your homework and really check around and also asking the doctor and his staff about which agency they might recommend. You could also invest in a good locking safe for really valuable things. I don't know why so many institutions and services are failing in the elder care department. Our seniors don't deserve this kind of treatment from some people employed to take care of them. Start by asking at the doctor's office. Make sure the agency you choose does thorough background checks.

I have gone the route of hiring a private caregiver. I did this because I did not want to have 3 or 4 different caregivers helping me (you cannot hire a servive to provide a caregiver for more than 8-10 hours at a time.)
It cost me about 17% more to do this. The 17% covers S/S, Medicare, unemployment taxes, work comp., and a person to handle the P/R taxes.
I pay the caregiver the same dollars as I would pay the service -$21.00 per hour. I feel that while expensive, I get the best results.

Jim Woodard

I am a sitter for the elderly and have worked in the medical field for over 30 years. I live in a small town where everyone knows me and my work record stands up for me and all the people I've worked for in the past. The jobs I do I don't always get paid the same. The lady I take care of now lives next door so when they offered me this they offered less than I had charged other people but considering no gas no wear and tear on my vehicle. It would be great if someone in your church someone you know personal or friends recommend would be great. Agencies are good but I just worked for myself and thankfully I've always had a job. The main thing is feeling comfortable with whomever you leave your loved one with. Being able to go out for a while and feeling good about who you leave them with is the main thing. I am sure it will workout for you. Good luck.

In our area, home health aides are paid more than just companions. I was only able to hire home health aides, agencies want to send out home health aides if the person has any type of disabling condition (ie mobility issues using a cane or walker). I used the agency home health aides for the lion share of my needs for a home health aide. Since I was working full time, the home health aide was here for a full 7 or 8 hours Monday through Friday and I paid $21.00/hour. Of course, the agency got the most of this money and the home health aide was only receiving about $9.90 /hour at the end of the 3.5 or 4 years of working daily with my dad. I needed the agency as I was depending on someone to show up each day so I could remain employed. I was the caregiver outside of my work hours.
If you have connections with a church sometimes they know retired nurses who will sit with the elder. If you are not working and not on a fixed scheduled I am sure you can find someone who can meet your needs for your parent.

Call medicare and ask what business working with medicare, second be sure a employee are not liberal and last investigate a Police criminal report. Also be sure not hire a illegal alien.

Homemakers and companions (in Florida) do not provide hands on care and assistance. They assist with instrumental activities of daily living such as: transportation for shopping, errands and appointments; meal preparation; laundry and light housekeeping; companionship; etc. The average rate for these services is approximately $16 per hour (in Florida). As stated above, you do get peace of mind knowing the company/agency is state licensed and the caregivers/care assistants are properly screened and have had a background check.

If you have Medicaid the MLTC Plan will provide a home care worker for you, or the Consumer Directed Program will pay the home care worker that you choose(they are two different plans under Medicaid). You have to have a home assessment done to see if you score high enough to have home care services. If you don't have Medicaid, (1) if you are 65 or older (2) are disabled you should apply-our office specializes in this- if you don't apply you'll have to private pay. On average it's $20 per hour, and most agencies ask that you hire them for a minimum of 2 to 4 hours a day. The agencies are great, but you will run out of money fast.

HI...I tried the agencies and besides being expensive, the caregivers could not really read to my mom or talk about .."old times"..lol. I was really desperate. My church had no one, so I looked at those services like care and sittercity...specifically searching out older women. Unfortunately due to the economic downturn a few years ago many older ladies are looking for extra work. I got soooo lucky. During my mom's illness I found three terrific ladies who helped her immensely, did everything needed and were really delighted to be working. It was truly a blessing. I did interviews first to see how they clicked and went through a few that did not fit...but then got three gems. So good luck!!

My mother's caregiver is through a licensed agency and I pay $20 an hour. We are in the greater Washington, D.C. area.

I live in upstate New York and have been privately doing this type of work and know of several people who do the same and we get paid $15 an hour. I am a retired RN who has worked with the elderly and I feel that getting someone older, who can relate to your loved one, is definitely a plus.

It is likely ok and legal to give a paid caregiver a 1099 tax form instead of paying the SS, medicare and so on and deducting from their wages....the 1099 is for contract workers....many firms do this in the business world.

Hello, I'm a professional with 30 plus years of experience.
Nursing agency's are not the best places to find a professional. The agency makes half the salary your paying, the person doesn't work for you, but the agency. The person is not allowed to give you there telephone number privately, or tell you if they are taking a day off. This all has to go thru their employer. And that is NOT YOU. Most of these people believe this is a job they can take off when they want because it's the agency's responsibility to find you coverage. So you may have no one or someone you don't know. As far as checking references they are very limited at the best. I have gotten jobs 10 minutes after I applied with the company, no way did they check anything.Didn't even have time to call NYS Education Dept of Professional Licenses.
You pay the agency $25 for a aide, why not hire privately a LPN/RN for the same price and hire a true professional. LPN can not assess a patient at all through their licenses and that at times becomes a issue. You can check their background just by call NYS Department of Professional Licenses and see if there have been any complaints. Even if a LPN/ RN is fired it goes to this NYS agency and they are called in to check out the situation.
Most people have problems because the aide is not checked and has from place to place and the families haven't bothered to file a police report.
Most people have problems because they want to hire a illegal for $150 per day and they get what they pay for. I have kept children and adults alive 3 times longer then they thought they would live because of quality great caring nursing..
Think before you put your parents in a nursing home or long term care, they might be able to live in their own home for the same price with the right quality care. look on Craigslist Resume and check that person out.
In a nursing home you might have one RN on evening shift with 120 patients and two ot three LPN's, and i aide for 12-15 patients/client what type of care can you truly expect. A RN is the only one that is allowed by law to assess a patient, the LPN can not and it does matter.
I have worked in Highly thought of long term adult homes, one RN director of Nursing days and one or two LPN's that might be agency and person care persons,not even aides.
Many nurses will care for both parents at the same time and treat them as if they were their parents, do outing and invite friends in and just act as there social person and yet be experienced to see if there is a underlying medical issue. Take them to the doctors and be able to explain to you what is going on because they have the education to ask questions and understand.
I do not thing nursing agency's are the answers but the easy way out. The family is doing the best they can but a lot is missing. A RN over sees the case but that I have seen is just not enough. Patients in hospitals get better care if people are around and checking on things. So this person hired could go to the hospital just as a family member and be there to make sure the person is getting the care they need. How many seniors have I seen with huge bed sores that no one should have but family not around so the senior doesn't get the care. Hospitals and nursing homes are way under staffed and we all know this 1st hand.
Any questions feel free to ask me.. I've been in the field many many years. I have closed nursing homes because of abuse and reported hospital for abuse and DOH we all know when where and who they are coming to see in NY. Dr so and so ....that means DOH is in house. How many complaints I have made about Medford Mult Care, Medford,NY and nothing done. I have many other that are now out of business because a patient died and the DOH did nothing. Others are still open and night staff sleeps. I have to be careful who and how I respond because I do care.

Being an RN myself, with many years of experience, I totally agree with ProfessionalRN.

Visiting Angels is a nationwide and very reputable agency. We use their services for my 91 year old mother. They mostly provide companionship (my mother loves to play cards still so this is an important "fit" question for a potential caregiver) and they also do light housekeeping and shopping when I ask. The cost is about $23/hr but as others have said, we don't have any liability regarding taxes, etc. and all of the caregivers are bonded through the agency. If your mother qualifies for a Veterans benefit in this regard Visiting Angels partners with another entity, "Veterans Home Care" that will walk you fully through the application process and even pay for the aides during the app processing time once they have a fully complete application. Good luck!

True that hiring an agency doesn't guarantee protection from theft or abuse...but what it does guarantee (if you did you homework and they are properly insured) is recovery of your loss. Furthermore, it provides management and authority over that caregiver in the event of an abuse or neglect concern.
Hiring privately, you assume all that risk and liability on yourself.
So basically, if you enjoy gambling, you can go private. If you enjoy peace of mind and protection (not to mention subs if your normal person cannot make it), then an agency is your best bet.

I went through Care and got a wonderful lady. She's in her 40s so well able to do everything. Care offers a background check with a professional background service. I also have a PEO at my office which I am able to put my mother's caregiver on. It covers all taxes, unemployment, worker's comp ect. They are actually the employer. It keeps me from being liable and handles the responsibilities of a staff person. The PEO that I use is inexpensive and will hire from one person to as many as you need for your staff. This service represented me on an unemployment claim for my office when I had to fire someone and we won. It's the way to go. I typically pay $8 - $10 for office staff and $10 for my mother's caregiver.
I furnish the caregiver an apartment in our home and all meals as well. We live as a family sharing meals and household duties. She is paid for 25 hours of work, which includes washing Mother's clothes, helping with her meals and bath and sitting for times when I go in to my office, which is flexible because I can work from home a good deal. She also drives her to her chiropractor visits and some doctor visits.

The name of the PEO is Einstein. They are in Duluth, GA. but I think they will represent anyone anywhere. It could be a chain or franchise. I highly recommend them.

—again…BUT still do your homework AND DEMAND/CHECK ALL REFERENCES!!! Also, a 'nanny-cam' [hidden camera] is relatively affordable AND WORTH IT!!!!!!!

I teach children w/Autism & personally know of many other teachers/TA's who also participate w/Care. This is the group I suggested to my auntie to utilize for my uncle if/when needed. The 'church' approach is also a great idea. Lastly, chat w/other families/persons [like THIS site!] who have used caregivers—some are so pleased w/their hires they are unwilling to share but, keep talkin' until you find the fit you are seeking. I know this sounds much easier than it might actually be—especially when you might well already be running on empty but— persevere, it can be sooooooo worth the effort for your loved one!
VERY best of success!

Here in Connecticut it's 30 an hour...makes it difficult on fixed income. Connecticare will pay if a LN or RN is needed..that's what I've been told. That is why I'm 24\7 at the moment. I happen to know some care givers that will accept 15 an hour on their own. The companies charge double, which to me is insane...hope this helps!

As a Home Care Companion I usually charge $25-$35 an hour. I love what I do and am trustworthy and good at it. I would advise you to meet with the caregiver and listen to your intuition. Finding the right person will be invaluable to your family and provide the much needed support to your family while at the same time providing comfort and loving care to your mother.

In Georgia, we can often find a "sitter" for as little as minimum wage. Again it's on Care. The "sitter" is only expected to sit and help with serving a pre-prepared meal in most cases. Also, you can check into Meals on Wheels and with your local Counsel on Aging. It turns out that in our county they offer respite care. I used an agency only one time and we got ripped off for clothes and household items. Plus the agency charged $18 per hour.

I have just had an appointment yesterday with a home caregiver service that does background checks, drug tests, educates and checks references for all of their caregivers. They are $19/hour and will perform home visits for housework, personal care tasks (bathing, toileting, dressing, etc), laundry, meals and companionship. This is *just* what Mom needs if I have to be gone for more than a few hours - someone to keep her company and help her remember to take her pills, keep her incontinence pads changed, change her bedding and chair pads if needed, etc. We are given 2-3 caregivers to choose from and interview on our own. I'm hoping we will find a good fit so that I can take a day off now and then to go see my grandkids or just get away for a while without worrying that Mom is home alone for too long.

I also wanted to add this thought;
Not all agencies are the same! You need to interview them and find the company with the culture that fits your family and needs. Our agency strives to retain the same team member for each client/shift providing continuity and personalized care to our clients. I know many agencies do not do this...but many do. Talk to the little guy as well as the big franchise guy, and determine who best suits you. This will result in a higher satisfaction rate and better over all scenario for you and your family.

When Home Health people came in for my husband, they would recommend those who would sit with my man. You have to listen very closely....how long they have known this other person, how reliable, how much they charge, etc. Most were 10 to 15 bucks an hour, most would do some cleaning while they were there. That was NOT what I was looking for, a housekeeper. I just wanted someone to sit with him, help him get up and maybe change him if he didn't get up in time. Fortunately someone I worked with had a daughter who did that type of work..... so ask friends, neighbors, anyone you know. Sometimes those recommendations are much better than hiring a 'stranger'.