Live-In or Privately Hired Caregiver

Live-In or Privately Hired Caregiver

Live-In or Privately Hired Caregivers. Sometimes a spouse or child wants their loved one to remain at home as long as possible. But the need for care is overwhelming to the family or the spouse and they simply can't provide it on their own. If funds are available, the least expensive way to solve this problem is to hire directly someone who is willing to come into the home for extended periods of time and provide that care. This arrangement is more typically used in the case where care or supervision is required on a 24 hour basis. These providers would typically not have medical skills. If medical care were needed a nurse or therapist would also be hired from a home health agency.

For a live-in caregiver the opportunity to have a place to live is partial or perhaps complete compensation for providing that care. If there is extra room in the home of the care-recipient this is an ideal arrangement. Or even without a living arrangement, a family hiring a caregiver not living with the care-recipient, could spend considerably less than paying the cost of an aide from a home health agency.

Married college students who have small children might be a likely source for caregivers since they would typically have low income and housing would be a priority need. A live-in arrangement would provide the housing in return for care and possibly some additional income for the young couple. Oftentimes a grandchild is looking for a place to live and is willing to provide this care in exchange for room and board. Or the grandchild may be compensated by the family in addition to the room and board. Also a single woman with inadequate income and living in an area where housing is expensive might be willing to agree to a live-in care arrangement. Finally, some older individuals are looking for the opportunity to nurture and care for other elderly individuals or couples. These benevolent people are willing to come into the home and provide care in return for a moderate compensation to cover their time and costs.

We're not aware of agencies that facilitate these arrangements. A private caregiver would have to be acquired through advertising. This might include posting notices near a college campus, in a senior center or advertising in the newspaper. The section on care managers also includes a description of care managers finding a personal care provider for a fee.

A major disadvantage of hiring somebody privately is ensuring this new employee is trustworthy and will provide the care needed. If possible, arrangements should be made to make sure the new caregiver is bonded to protect the family from theft. But what if the caregiver turns out to be unreliable, lazy or abusive? Elder abuse is very prevalent in this country and estimates are that 10% of the elderly population is being abused by family or caregivers. If a private caregiver is hired great care should be taken to investigate that person's background and history of employment.

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