credible caregiving company will offer both types of service. You, the employer, need to do this, if you hire an independent caregiver. Do not skip these important steps.

4. Who is responsible for wages and taxes? If you hire a registry or
independent caregiver, you will most likely be responsible. If you go through an agency, they should be responsible.

5. What training do caregivers receive? A credible caregiving company
will have a comprehensive training program for their caregivers that
cover how to handle crisis and emergency situations with seniors. An independent caregiver may have excellent training, but you need to ask for proof.

6. Do you provide Workers' Compensation in case the caregiver is
injured on the job? You will likely be responsible for this, if you hire an independent caregiver, so check your state employment laws to find out how you handle this. A CPA or attorney who handles small business matters would be a good place to get help.

7. What is the plan if a caregiver is sick or cannot work? The
advantage of working with a private duty company is that each caregiver
employee is supervised and scheduling services, including back-up care, are arranged by the company. With an independent caregiver, ask if there is backup care. If there is, you need to make sure the back-up people are also checked out and covered in case of injury.

8. Who pays the caregiver? You'll pay an independent caregiver while a
caregiving company will handle that for you. If you are hiring an independent caregiver, be sure to sign a contract, just as you would sign on with an in-home agency. Do you need to do withholding for taxes and Social Security? Again, you may want to check state and federal laws to see what you are responsible for.

9. Who supervises the caregiver? A credible caregiving company should have plans in place that include quality assurance as well as communication tools. Certainly, independent caregivers can have good plans, just as they can have good training. Just be sure to check it out. You may find an independent caregiver with decades of experience, a real jewel. This is all about being aware.

10. What other resources could help me? The National Association of
Area Agencies on Aging at, www.n4a.org, has several programs available for caregivers and seniors. Also, look to your county social services and, on-line, go to www.eldercare.gov. This eldercare locator is very helpful when looking for services from anywhere in the country.

The bottom line here? Whether you hire an agency or an independent caregiver, you need to do your homework. But if you hire an independent caregiver, you need to do a little more homework, so you know what your responsibilities, as an employer, are.

To learn more about Carol, please go to www.mindingourelders.com or www.mindingoureldersblogs.com.