When the need arises for home healthcare services, it's essential to prioritize safety and security for you or your loved one. Concerns about exploitation or negligence should not compound the vulnerability that often accompanies health issues. At United Nursing Services, we recognize the anxiety of inviting a stranger into your home and personal space. This article aims to provide vital insights into the caregiver hiring process, ensuring the protection of your loved ones and valuable assets.

Florida stands out demographically with one of the highest elderly populations in the United States. Its transient nature makes it susceptible to various risks, including theft and exploitation of older adults. United Nursing Services believes that knowledge and education can empower the public to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.

When seeking home healthcare services, many consider hiring caregivers privately or through nurse registries, often focusing solely on hourly rates to save costs. However, this "penny wise, pound foolish" approach can have significant financial and safety implications:

1.  Employer Responsibility:Opting for private hiring transforms the client into an employer, assuming responsibilities for taxes like FWT/FICA/Social Security. Furthermore, financial risks such as Workers' Compensation, Bonding, Liability, or Malpractice escalate without insurance coverage. It's a misconception to rely on homeowner's insurance to cover theft or caregiver injuries.

1.  Abuse and Theft Risk:Private caregivers might not undergo thorough screening, exposing clients to physical or financial abuse and theft. Abuse can persist unnoticed for an extended period, causing severe emotional, physical, and financial distress.

1.  Tax Benefits:Using a licensed and certified home health agency, such as United Nursing Services, may make you eligible for tax credits unavailable when hiring privately. Consult your tax advisor for detailed information.

While hiring through a registry might offer some protection compared to private hiring, it has limitations:

1.  Service Scope:Registries provide only a partial range of services that are available through a home healthcare agency.
2.  Limited Availability:Registries often operate during standard office hours, not offering 24/7 support.
3.  Client as the Employer:Despite background checks and credentialing, clients hiring through registries are still considered employers, which can have tax and legal implications.
4.  Tax Responsibility:Registries may pay caregivers directly, but they usually do not withhold FWT/FICA/Social Security taxes, leaving clients with additional responsibilities.

To shield yourself or your loved one from the risks of exploitation, theft, and employer responsibilities, you should turn to a licensed home health agency like United Nursing Services. Our commitment to your well-being extends beyond healthcare, providing peace of mind and a safe, reliable caregiving experience.