When you are in need of home healthcare services for yourself or your loved one, the last thing you need to worry about is being exploited or taken advantage of when you are most vulnerable. At United Nursing Services, we understand that allowing a stranger to come into your home and personal space can be frightening and worrying. We want to share important information with you about hiring a caregiver to ensure that you or your loved one remain safe and personal assets are protected.
Demographically, Florida has one of the highest elderly populations in the country. It is a very transient area, making it an easy target area for theft and exploitation of the elderly. United Nursing Services believes that through education, the public can make better healthcare decisions.
Many people in need of home healthcare services choose to hire caregivers either privately or through nurse registries in an effort to save money by comparing only hourly rates. This “penny wise, pound foolish” approach can be very costly and exposes clients to risks and disadvantages:
• The client adopts the role of the employer, thereby assuming responsibility for FWT/FICA/Social Security taxes. Since there is no insurance protection such as Workers Compensation, Bonding, Liability or Malpractice coverage, you can find yourself in significant financial jeopardy. Do not assume that homeowner’s insurance will cover the theft of a precious item or the magnitude of a caregiver’s injury.
To protect yourself or your loved one from the risks of exploitation and theft and the responsibility for worker’s compensation and employment taxes, refer them to a licensed home health agency such as United Nursing Services.
