There are many advantages of working with an agency like FirstLight vs. hiring a caregiver “privately” or directly. With today’s heightened awareness of immigration enforcement, when you hire a Caregiver directly, you are the employer and you are responsible for ensuring that they have authorization to work in the U.S.
In talking to prospective clients and families, we sometimes are asked the question, “Couldn’t I find a person and pay them directly?” In these cases, we are not competing with other agencies for providing home care services, but with a seemingly loose and semi-invisible network of private caregivers. While hiring a caregiver privately or “under the table” may appear to be less expensive, there are added expenses and significant risks. For starters, you are considered the employer, so liability for you and your family exists–which means you could be sued. Liability includes any costs related to an injury that occurs on the job, such as medical expenses, lost wages or income, and disability payments.
Of greater awareness today, you are responsible for confirming that the caregiver is authorized to work in the U.S. You need to certify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ I-9 form. Failure to complete and/or hiring an unauthorized worker can result in penalties up to $10,000. We are vigilant about ensuring that only those individuals who have authorization to work in the U.S. are hired and continue to work. This is a time-consuming, but necessary process of validating paperwork and monitoring work authorization expiration dates, updating files, and other documentation.
You as the employer are also responsible for federal and state taxes, required Mass. Paid Family & Medical Leave deductions and contributions, mandated sick time, and if the caregiver is misclassified as an independent contractor when determined to be an employee, you are subject to tax evasion charges, back taxes and penalties. Worker’s liability insurance is your responsibility and premiums rise yearly. You are responsible for having the employee fill out required Federal and state tax withholding forms (e.g., W-4) and providing year end reporting to the IRS and state authorities. The W-2 falls to you.
Contrast this exposure with engaging FirstLight Home Care: In addition to serving as the employer and relieving you of the risks and costs outlined above, we have a deep and continually expanding workforce, so if your caregiver is ill or on vacation—or if your needs change–we will introduce you to alternate caregivers. We identify and hire the best professional caregivers and provide pre-screening followed by more in-depth screening including interviews, criminal background checks, and reference checks. We put caregivers through a proprietary care assessment for competency, attitude, and behavior. We have professional, on-call office staff available 24/7 for any concerns or needs. FirstLight supervises our caregivers to ensure that the care being provided is according to your care plan. We believe this allows for a more consistent and higher quality of care.