| TIPS to help you "Get the Assignment" 1. You can gain credibility by exploring every opportunity to get your name & information on every database you can find. Although Local/State agencies such as Area On Aging and Council of Government offices may offer Caregiver listings, the most frequently used resource today is an Internet search. This is why it is almost imperative that you establish an email account, then check it regularly for incoming inquiries. Many Search Engines offer FREE account set-up & maintenance. If you don't own a personal computer, you can check for messages on a friend's computer, or at a local library. NOTE: You can avoid excess SPAM or JUNK MAIL by including numbers in your email address. (e.g. maryb340@hotmail.com) Some email servers such as GoogleMail include excellent (built-in) Junk Mail/Spam filters and unlimited storage. Check several different services to find one where your preferred "handle" (name) is not already in use and BE SURE to READ & UNDERSTAND the Terms and Conditions before you sign up with ANY email service provider. 2. There are several Caregiver online/internet databases and referral networks that result when the appropriate keyword is entered in the Search Bar. The secret is to have your listing in popular "Keyword" website(s)/database(s) with good Search Results positions (top 5-20). EXAMPLE: Type a 2-word search at GOOGLE for Eldercare,Caregiver. Based on feedback from a survey of families looking to secure a caregiver, here are several "HINTS" about what they look for from an independent (non-Agency) Care Provider: 3. DO NOT make the mistake of wearing a work uniform to an initial interview. Dress and groom yourself as if your next paycheck depends on it, because it may. 4. You can easily avoid the "Employer/Employee" dilemma that presents a major challenge to many Family Caregivers in search of a Private/In-Home Caregiver by offering your services as a "Non-Employee" Independent Contractor. "Employers" are required to withhold and report Income Tax. Take the initiative to let them know you are willing to provide services as a "Non-Employee or Sub-Contractor and furnish them with an IRS "W-9" form that allows them to report payments made to you as "Non-Employee wages". This form can be obtained at: www.irs.gov/fw9.pdfwww.irs.gov/fw9.pdf You can even fill it out online before printing or get one from a Public Accountant (CPA). It only requires your Name, Address, SS#, Signature & Date before handing it to your client. The person/family for whom you provide services simply files the 1099 with their Income Tax return and sends you a copy for tax records. This simple solution eliminates a bundle of Client tax payment responsibility and liability. 5. Another concern confronting Family Caregivers is the matter of Injury/Liability, while performing services. It is advisable to have an understanding with the Family by offering to include a statement in your written agreement with them stating you: "...Agree to hold the Payor/Family/Client fully harmless from any and all liability resulting from an injury or loss sustained by you, in the course of providing services to the Client/Family Member, or while on their property". This goes a long way to let them know you're not "out to get them". Most Homeowner Insurance policies do provide a limited Medical benefit, and a claim for injuries sustained by a non-occupant,or visitor (including Care Providers) would be covered, but do not expect to get a disability check from it. 6. Ask for a WRITTEN, Signed & Dated Description of Duties/Responsibilities, Work Schedule, Confidentiality and Compensation/Pay Agreement. You can view a Sample Agreement from a link on the Family Info or Provider Database pages of this website. 7. Prepare a detailed, printed list of verifiable Work and Personal References (No Less than 3 of EACH). This will not only save a lot of time during the initial interview, but will speak loudly about your Confidence, Personal character and Work Experience. Download and print a .pdf copy of our Private Caregiver Information Form. You can personalize it for your prospective client. 8. We cannot recommend what you should charge because the frequency of services vary considerably, according to area and the particular level(s) of service. Educate yourself on the Hourly/Daily Agency Rates in your service area, then adjust your own rates accordingly. Typically, Agency rates would include an hourly rate of pay plus 18% or more for wage taxes & Workers Compensation plus Administrative expenses, Insurance, Overhead and Profit($$$). This can easily increase the Agency cost of providing the same services you offer by more than 30-40%! 9. One last thing that can favor your odds of getting the Assignment/Placement at the time of the initial interview is to have in your possession a 10- Year MVR ($3) from the SC Department of Motor Vehicles and a Current (12 month recent) Criminal Background Report($20), available from your Local Sheriff or Police Dept. REMEMBER – Good Communication, Confidence and Credibility are the basic fundamentals to your future success as an Independent Care Provider. Beginning in 2010, an average of 10,000 Americans will turn 65 EVERYDAY!!! Never before in the history of our Country were the services you provide in demand more than now. |
| CLICK HERE for a printer friendly page |
| Bottom Line - You Can Earn MORE and Families Pay LESS, so EVERYONE WINS!!! Click the RED button to complete a Care Provider Profile. You should receive an email reply within 48 hours of submission. Additional information may be required prior to database entry. All Replies are Confidential. Click HERE to Preview our Database. |
![]() | Are you being paid what you are really worth? | |
![]() | Would you like more flexibility in choosing your clients, their locations and the services you provide? | |
![]() | Would you like to set your own hourly rate of pay? |