This is such an important subject that I have written about it in the past. I’m going to cut right to the chase, using unlicensed caregivers in your home is not safe. Clients needing home healthcare services are often alert and oriented but need some assistance around the home with various tasks. There are also clients who have different levels of dementia, some with family close by and some with no family. In 2019 when I took over Avid Home Care Services, I was shocked at the risks many people will take to save money. Risks that have real consequences.

First, let’s discuss criminal backgrounds. I have had people ask if I can run a background check for them on someone they want to hire privately. The short answer is no. I am held to standards by The Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) and potential employees sign a consent form from AHCA allowing me to access their information. AHCA has a national database that interfaces with Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Most employers look for an eligible status under Medicare and Medicaid and look no further. If an employee has something called an exemption, we can see their criminal records despite being eligible to work. Some are still on probation! (Avid will not hire staff with criminal history or AHCA exemptions.) In my professional experience, I have noticed that many private caregivers are unable to work for an agency and often it is because of something in their backgrounds.

Agencies that are bonded and have liability and worker’s compensation insurance are very important to ask about when looking for a homecare provider. Some hire subcontractors and require them to carry their own liability insurance. Subcontractors are also referred to as 1099 employees, taxes are not withheld for them, so it is up to the individual to pay their taxes. If they are working under the table and this is discovered by AHCA, the person employing them will be responsible for paying their back taxes. A privately paid caregiver with a back injury could end up costing the homeowner money for years to come. Liability insurance protects the client if something is broken or stolen by staff. Ask if staff are taxed or W2 employees, ask about these insurances when conducting interviews.

I wrote this article after seeing a disturbing trend on Facebook of what appears to be random people hiring caregivers off the street, no background checks, no protection for the client or employees. They are advertising for caregivers with client details and time requests in the posts. No one is licensed and as a senior advocate in this community I felt the need to educate people on the risks they are unknowingly taking with their loved ones. If you need homecare services, reach out to one of the awesome agencies in this area that would be glad to provide help safely in your home.