Senior Caregivers

Frequently Asked Questions

Compensation and Training

Q: Will I be trained to be senior caregiver?

A: Before you will work on your own, we will assign you to another “experienced” Provider whom we call a “Mentor”.  You will accompany the Mentor on an assignment (1 – 3 occasions) to gain the experience and insight for what they are doing.  In addition, we offer in-service training on a monthly basis and can recommend a number of training opportunities in our community to give you the information you need to provide our services.  Once you feel comfortable with being able to provide the services we offer, you will do this on your own.

Q: Will I be paid for my training?

A: No.  We can only pay you for services rendered for which we receive payment.  Training is meant to be for self-improvement and to develop the confidence you need in order to provide the services.

Q: Would I be paid for the senior care I provide or is this volunteer work?

A: Senior caregivers are paid for all services you are scheduled to perform and you are not a “volunteer”.

Q: As one of your caregivers, am I considered an employee of SHS?

A: No, you are not an employee.  You are considered a “subcontractor”.  As such, you control and determine the hours you will work, the areas you will travel to, and the types of senior care work you will accept.

Q: Do you take taxes out of my check?

A: No, we do not take any taxes out of your check.  We would issue you a 1099 Form at the end of the year if you earned in excess of $600.  Senior caregivers are responsible for any and all taxes and should consult your accountant or tax preparer for guidelines and advisement.

Q: How much do I get paid for being a senior caregiver?

A: There may be a variable scale used to determine what caregivers will be paid, based on their experience, the types of services senior caregivers are providing and the rate of payment for a particular service.  While that range may be between $8 – 9/hour, we believe the average (after 90 days) is $10/hour.

Q: Do I get additional money for gas/mileage?

A: No. We only pay a fixed hourly rate.  While some services may involve transportation, there is no additional reimbursement for transportation.  In cases where transportation will be substantial, we may pay a higher hourly rate to compensate caregivers.

Scheduling

Q: How many hours a week would I need to dedicate to providing senior care?

A: We do have a minimum of 2 hours you a week you would need to dedicate. What really differentiates us from the others is that we do work to find a care provider who is a good fit for a family’s loved one.

Q: What if I am looking for a certain number of hours to work?

A: We will do our best to schedule senior caregivers for work based on your stated preferences; however, there is no guarantee you will have a regular or consistent schedule due to circumstances beyond our control.  The more flexible you are, the more work you can have.

Q: Would I have to work evenings, weekend or holidays?

A: Although there are always exceptions, most of the senior care services we provide are delivered during the day, Monday through Friday.  Occasionally, we may be asked a senior caregiver to provide a service that starts at 6 am or one that needs to be provided during an evening (or overnight), on weekends or even on a holiday.  If you are able to work an unusual shift, we will want to know and certainly do appreciate that; however, if you cannot, we understand.

Q: Do I have to take every job?

A: No you do not. You determine which jobs you will do, not us.  We offer you the opportunity to be one of our caregivers and perform the service based on your availability, interest and stated preference.

Senior Care Placement and Liability

Q: How do you determine which senior I will provide senior care to?

A: Based on our interview with you, your special interests and activities, your experience, your prior work history and what you said you will and will not do, we will have an idea who will “click” with one another and who will make providing a service successful and rewarding for both parties.  Sometimes, we will also use location or personality to help us determine which senior caregiver we will ask to provide a service.
Q: As on of your caregivers, would I need to help with personal care, such as bathing, toileting or changing diapers?

A: We realize personal care is not for everyone.  You need to let us know if there are limitations in what you are willing to do.  You may be working with an individual who does not need personal care when you start the service. However, over a period of time, this becomes a needed service.  We do not want to put any of our senior caregivers in a situation that is uncomfortable; so we will look to you for guidance in this area.

Q: Am I liable or responsible as a senior caregiver if something happens while a receiver is with me or if I break something in their home?

A: No. In the normal course of providing the services requested by the receiver, we are held harmless from liability.  This, however, would not be the case if the injury or damage was the result of your negligence or a willful disregard for the receiver’s safety or property by the senior caregiver.

Q: How will I receive information about available senior care opportunities?

A: When we have someone in need of services, we will call you to give you the particulars (location, shift and service description) to ask if you are available and interested.  If you are not, we will call the next provider on our list.  If you are interested in accepting the job, we will give you additional specific information, any specific instructions, driving instructions, and any other information that would be helpful in providing services.  We will try to accompany you on each “new” job so we can introduce you and help make the transition with the receiver.  We will also follow up with you and the receiver after providing the service.  We believe on-going and frequent communication is one of the keys to our success.

Become a Care Giver for Seniors Helping Seniors

More Questions About Being a Caregiver?

Feel free to contact us through email at shsnorthernco@gmail.com or over the phone at 970-631-8251