Finding a Personal Care Provider A tutorial on the types of personal care services available

Personal Care at Home Finding personal care at home that matches your individual needs can be a daunting task. This tutorial will help explain the different options available to you. Personal care at home is not covered by Medicare. For additional information on Medicare covered services, contact your physician or go to If you are Medi-Cal eligible, you may qualify for the In- Home Support Services Program (IHSS). For more information, contact (800)675-TIES (8437)

Personal Care Services Purpose of the tutorial Targeted audience

What are Personal Care Services? Personal Care Services may include: Bathing (tub, shower sponge) / Shampooing Companionship / Conversation Dressing / Undressing Errands / Grocery shopping Laundry Light housekeeping / Changing bed linens Medication reminder Mobility assistance Planning and meal preparation Toileting

Comparing Personal Care Services Verifying proof of authorization to work in the USA. Negotiating salary/benefits Determining work schedule, days off and holidays Caregiver replacements as needed Intermittent on-site supervision Development of a personalized service plan Workers Compensation insurance coverage

Types of Personal Care Service Personal Care Services generally fall into 3 main categories: –Full Service Agencies –Referral Agencies –Private Hire Your responsibilities and liabilities as recipient of personal care services may vary dependent on which type of service you select.

Differences in Personal Care Services Personal Care Services may differ in the degree to which they provide the following services. -Locating, screening and interviewing of potential personal care assistants -Checking references from previous employers -Conducting criminal background checks

Full Service Agencies A full service agency: The employer of all caregivers Assumes all responsibilities Supervises caregivers Provides ongoing training Typically is available 24 hours by phone Locate, screen, and interview prospective caregivers Check references from previous employers Professional, criminal, and social security background checks Verify proof of authorization to work in the USA Negotiate salary and benefits Determine work schedule, days off and holidays Provide a replacement caregiver as needed Ensure 24/7 availability as needed Develop a personalized service plan Cover worker’s compensation insurance for on the job injuries Handle social security, payroll taxes, disability insurance and unemployment insurance Prepare all payroll tax deposits and reports Provide professional liability insurance and fidelity bond coverage for all caregivers

Referral Agencies Referral Agencies: Place caregivers with clients and generally collect a placement fee Some may charge an hourly rate that includes both agency fee and the caregivers’ wages There are two types of Referral Agencies which are determined by payment method: Client pays the agency Client pays a fee to the agency and pays the caregivers’ wages directly In either case, the Referral Agency is typically NOT the Employer and DOES NOT pay employer/employee payroll taxes or Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Therefore, the client is responsible for all taxes and insurance. To determine whether an agency is a full service provider or a referral agency, be sure to ask the following questions: Do you deduct state, federal and local taxes from the caregivers’ checks? Are your caregivers bonded, insured and covered by worker’s compensation?

Private Hire Private Hire: Where the client is the employer Pays the caregiver Is responsible for all State and Federal payroll requirements Is responsible for screening, supervising, training and assuming all professional liabilities Is responsible for replacement caregivers Is responsible for determining work schedule, days off and holidays

Comparison Grid The following grid shows a comparison of the three different types of personal care services and the services that are generally included.