Resources

Early signs that care is needed

How do you know if you, a loved one or a caregiver needs assistance or relief? Learning to recognize the early signs of need for a loved one or symptoms of caregiver stress will assist you in evaluating your or your loved one’s needs. While everyone is different, there are common considerations that you can look for to determine the necessary level of care.

Signs you or a loved one may need assistance

The following checklist will help you identify your care needs. With this information, your health care provider can help you customize a care solution. You can print this checklist and check the box next to any items that you have recently observed.

Do you or a loved one…

Mental

Feel forgetful, confused or lost
Mix up or forget to take medications
Miss doctors’ appointments
Overlook things that pose a safety concern
Struggle to pay bills or buy food
Receive a lot of junk mail
Write checks or withdraw money to make payments to unfamiliar people or companies
Act secretive while on the phone

Emotional and Social

Feel lonely or depressed
Feel frustrated or stressed
Take less interest in things previously enjoyed
Avoid people and social interaction

Physical and Medical

Sleep more often or have less energy
Notice a change in eating habits
Have difficulty walking, dressing, eating or bathing
Have trouble cleaning or maintaining a household
Fall more often or bruise more easily
Need medical attention or additional personal care
Take medication that you think needs to be adjusted
Need daily/weekly treatments, such as dialysis or IV therapy
Use medical equipment, such as an oxygen tank

Why Risk Hiring Privately?

Hiring private caregivers may often seem like a less costly alternative, but in reality, you are putting yourself at far greater risk than you may realize. When you are the employer instead of being the client, the risks escalate.

Taxes: The IRS states individual employers are liable for: Social Security taxes not paid; Unemployment compensation taxes not paid; Payroll taxes not withheld, including an additional tax assessment of up to 100% of the amount owed the IRS if the employer is considered to have ‘willfully’ failed to withhold the taxes; Interest on underpayments found to be owing; possible civil fines of up to $100,000; and possible criminal penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years.

Worker’s Compensation: Worker’s Compensation can be the biggest risk of all. If your employee strains his/her back while lifting, for example, he/she may very well look to you for all his/her medical expenses and disability coverage.

Negligent Hiring: The shortage of qualified applicants and your own immediate needs may sometimes combine to compromise your hiring procedures. Careful background checks, including criminal misconduct, and thorough interviews are part of the routine of any reputable home care company. In addition, an outside agency can train and supervise the caregiver to ensure maximum quality standards are met.

General and Professional Liability: Private caregivers rarely carry general or professional liability insurance. If the caregiver fails to perform his/her duties adequately; if he/she trips and falls at your home, you may very well be the party with the major liability.

Bonding: Bonding protects you from theft or breakage. Without bonding, you may have limited or no protection.

Have Questions?

Your local team of Client Care Managers are on call 24/7 to answer your questions and work with you to design a customized plan of care that is right for you.

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