10 Mistakes Families Make When Hiring a Private Caregiver

(And How a Home Care Consultant Can Help You Avoid Them)

Hiring a private caregiver for a loved one can feel overwhelming. There’s so much at stake—your loved one’s safety, your household’s finances, and your family’s peace of mind. And when you’re walking this journey alone, it’s easy to make well-meaning mistakes that lead to stress, conflict, or even legal trouble.

Before you hire or manage a private caregiver, read this guide. We’ve outlined 10 of the most common mistakes families make—and how a home care consultant can step in to guide you with wisdom, clarity, and compassion

A Word of Encouragement

Caring for a loved one is a deeply spiritual responsibility. It is work that requires courage, sacrifice, and trust. If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, take heart—you’re not alone, and help is available.

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." – Proverbs 15:22
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." – Proverbs 16:3

1. Not Running a Thorough Background Check

Hiring based on a referral or gut feeling is risky. A lack of formal screening could expose your family to harm.

How we help: We run multi-state background checks, review abuse registries, and provide  employment history and references—so you know exactly who’s coming into your home.

2. Paying “Under the Table” to Avoid Taxes

What seems like a “simple cash arrangement” can result in IRS trouble, denied claims, or employment lawsuits.

How we help: We walk you through payroll setup, help you register as a household employer, manage weekly payroll on your behalf, and provide user-friendly payroll and scheduling software to keep everything legal, automated, and on time.

3. Not Having a Written Employment Agreement

Without a formal agreement, misunderstandings are inevitable. This can lead to broken trust or even wrongful termination claims.

How we help: We draft customized contracts outlining job duties, pay, time off, house rules, and more.

4. Misclassifying the Caregiver as an Independent Contractor

Mislabeling a caregiver can lead to tax audits and fines. Most in-home caregivers are considered employees—not contractors.

How we help: We help you properly classify your caregiver and avoid violations of wage and labor laws.

5. Failing to Provide Onboarding & Training

Even great caregivers need guidance. Without clear expectations, quality of care often suffers.

How we help: We design a personalized onboarding plan, including care instructions, safety protocols, and training guides based on your loved one’s specific health needs.

6. Having No Backup Plan When the Caregiver Cancels

If your caregiver calls in sick or quits suddenly, most families have no plan—and that can leave your loved one vulnerable.

How we help: We create a contingency plan, help you identify emergency backup options, and connect you to local resources for temporary care.

7. Skipping Caregiver Oversight and Reviews

Caregivers need accountability. Without regular feedback, performance may slip or issues may go unreported.

How we help: We offer check-in schedules, performance review templates, and coaching on how to give constructive feedback.

8. Failing to Set Healthy Boundaries

When caregivers become “like family,” it’s easy for personal-professional boundaries to blur—leading to over-familiarity, tension, or entitlement.

How we help: We guide you in setting house rules, communication boundaries, and protocols for discipline—so your caregiver relationship remains respectful and professional.

9. Choosing the Wrong Person for the Job

Not every kind caregiver is the right caregiver—especially if your loved one has specific medical or emotional needs.

How we help: We assess your family’s unique situation and match you with an applicant who has the right skills, temperament, and reliability.

10. Trying to Do It All Alone

Managing care schedules, legal compliance, payroll, training, and hiring—it’s too much for one person. Burnout is real.

How we help: We serve as your ongoing advisor—providing expert support, access to scheduling and documentation software, answering your questions, and helping you navigate every phase of the caregiving journey with confidence.

Let’s Make Sure You Get This Right

As home care consultants with over 30 years combined experience serving families in the Kansas City area, we’ve walked this road many times. Our mission is to help families like yours avoid regret—and walk forward with clarity, peace, and the right plan in place.

📞 Book a free phone consultation
Ask your biggest question, and we’ll point you in the right direction—no pressure, just support.

📍 Serving Kansas City & Surrounding Areas (Missouri and Kansas) and 4 counties along 30A in Florida.

Out Of Pocket, Not Out Of Options

As America’s population ages, the demand for home care is growing—fast. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 1 in 5 Americans will be age 65 or older by 2030, and by 2060, that number will rise to nearly 95 million. At the same time, a large majority of older adults—about 77% according to AARP—say they would prefer to age in place rather than move to a facility.

Home care offers the comfort of familiar surroundings, one-on-one attention, and the ability to maintain independence for as long as possible. It can improve quality of life while reducing stress for both the individual and their family. But for private pay families, especially those without long-term care insurance or Medicaid coverage, the cost of traditional home care—often $30 to $40 per hour—can be out of reach.

The good news? You're not alone, and there are creative, practical alternatives that can help lighten the load. Here are several cost-effective paths worth exploring when private-pay home care isn't in the budget.

Hire Private Caregivers Directly (and Get Help Managing Them)

Hiring an independent caregiver—without going through a traditional agency—can dramatically reduce the hourly cost of care. But with that cost savings comes more responsibility: you become the employer.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Where to Find Candidates: Post job listings on trusted sites like Care.com, Nextdoor, or local community boards. Ask friends, local senior centers, or churches for referrals.

• Do Your Due Diligence: Always check references, run background checks, and conduct in-person interviews.

• Be Clear About Expectations: Create a written job description that outlines duties, schedule, and pay. A clear agreement helps avoid confusion and sets the tone for a professional relationship.

Unsure on where to start?
Managing a caregiver isn’t always straightforward—especially when you’re juggling taxes, schedules, legal obligations, and interpersonal dynamics.

This is where a household employment consultant can be a lifesaver. These professionals help families:

• Prescreen qualified candidates

• Navigate hiring and onboarding

• Stay compliant with payroll, taxes, and labor laws

• Provide tools caregivers and set expectations

• Mediate any issues that arise in the home

Consultants can walk you through the process —saving you time, stress, and potential legal trouble. You remain in the driver seat, while you have an expert guiding your way. Think of it as HR for your home.

Explore Local and Government Resources

Even if you don't qualify for Medicaid, there may be county- or state-level programs that offer partial assistance.

• Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These offices often coordinate services like meal delivery, respite care, and transportation.

• Volunteer Groups and Faith Organizations: Many offer free or low-cost help to older adults and people with disabilities.

• PACE Programs (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly): In some regions, PACE provides comprehensive care for eligible seniors, often at no cost.

 Visit Eldercare.acl.gov to locate programs near you.

Partner up and Care Share

A growing number of families are lowering their care costs by sharing a caregiver with another nearby household. This strategy can cut your costs in half while maintaining quality support.

Here’s how it works:

• Shared Schedule: A caregiver splits their day between two households depending on the needs of both families.

• Joint Hiring: Some families team up from the start to hire one caregiver together and clearly outline roles, hours, and payment terms in a written agreement.

• Compatibility Matters: This option works best when both care recipients have similar needs, routines, personalities and live close by. 

 Agency-Supported Care Share:
You don’t have to go it alone. Some home care agencies are open to facilitating care sharing between families. This allows you to:

• Split costs while still getting professional oversight

• Ensure the caregiver is trained, vetted, and insured

• Avoid the full administrative load of managing employment

Ask agencies directly if they offer or support care share arrangements—some are more flexible than others, especially smaller, locally owned providers.

Use Technology to Fill Gaps

Care doesn’t always have to be hands-on. Consider tools that reduce the need for constant physical presence:

• Medication reminders and dispensers

• Video doorbells and monitoring systems

• Wearable alerts and sensors

These tools can offer peace of mind and reduce the number of hours a caregiver needs to be physically present.

Get Guidance from Trusted Professionals

If you're unsure where to start or feel overwhelmed by options, reach out to a local Home Care Agency.  Redeemed In Home Care specializes in guiding families through the complexities of both traditional and non-traditional care solutions. They understand that no two families are the same, and they’ll work with you to customize care that respects your values, goals, and financial limitations.

Whether you're looking to:

• Hire a private caregiver

• Explore agency support

• Set up a care-sharing arrangement

• Manage caregiver employment legally and ethically

• Access community resources or financial aid

Redeemed In Home Care can walk you through your choices, connect you with trusted professionals, and help you build a sustainable care plan that meets your needs and budget.

When you can't afford traditional home care, it doesn't mean you're out of options. With creativity, community, and a little planning, many families can create a safe, supportive care environment without breaking the bank. And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s hiring help and learning how to manage it, teaming up with another family, or organizing a community of support—you do have options, even when you're paying out of pocket

 To get started, reach out to Redeemed In Home Care and find the right solution for your family’s unique needs.

Social Isolation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults and vulnerable populations have been encouraged to stay safe and stay home as much as possible. While staying home offers protection from the virus, we’re now witnessing harmful effects in terms of social isolation, loneliness and depression among older adults.

A poll shows that loneliness among older adults doubled during the first months of COVID-19. Whereas 27 percent of adults aged 50 to 80 felt isolated from others in October 2018, this increased to 56 percent of this population feeling isolated from March to June of 2020. Similarly, 28 percent of people reported limited social contact in 2018, versus 46 percent in June 2020.

Loneliness and social isolation are real threats to the health of those we love. Studies show that chronic loneliness can affect our loved one’s memory, mental and physical health and overall longevity.

How can we help mitigate loneliness and social isolation for those we love?

Here are seven ideas for helping to bring joy and happiness into the home amid continued isolation:

Get Outside. Being outdoors and around living things can have a transformative effect on our overall mood and wellbeing. Help arrange a balcony, patio, porch or yard space for your loved one with a comfortable chair and some plants nearby. The patio can be a space to soak up a little Vitamin D and safely spend time connecting with neighbors, friends and loved ones.

Facilitate a Virtual Connection. Help set up a video chat platform for your loved one and schedule an (at least!) weekly time to chat. If the concern is that Grandma isn’t tech savvy enough to video chat, think again! There are a variety of tablets and portals geared toward older adults, including Google Nest + Hub, The GrandPad, Echo Show, ViewClix and Konnekt Videophone. You make it easy for them, set it up and show them how to just click on a name to connect.

Get Moving. If your loved one is in good physical health and the weather is mild, arrange for a daily constitutional with a trusted caregiver. A stroll outside the house with the opportunity to safely chat with a neighbor from a good distance is good for the soul.

Find a Furry Friend. If your loved one is living independently and is in good health, the companionship of a small dog or cat provides a fun diversion and some emotional support. Caregivers can assist with simple tasks that enable your loved one to benefit from the enjoyable parts of pet ownership without the hassles.

Consider a (Virtual) Assistant. Devices such as Google Home or Amazon Echo can offer daily reminders for routines, provide weather reports, play their favorite songs and games.

Encourage Spirituality. Prayer and meditation are good for the mind and the body. Have a caregiver read your loved ones’ favorite scriptures or pray with them. Helping your loved one draw closer to God can help diminish their feelings of loneliness that come with isolation.

Drop the Beat. Create an uplifting playlist with your loved one in mind. It could be worship songs, music from their youth or anything with a happy rhythm.

It’s important to speak honestly to your loved ones about their feelings of loneliness and isolation. Encourage them to share how they’re feeling, and implement mood-lifting strategies with the help of a trusted caregiver!

We would love to help. To start the conversation, reach out here.

Tips for Communicating with Your Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s or Dementia

If someone you care about has Alzheimer’s or dementia, you know that communication can be challenging. By understanding what has changed with their communication skills and how to approach them differently, we as caregivers can support them in the most kind and loving way possible.

A person with Alzheimer’s may have problems with the following communication skills:

• Finding the right word or losing his/her train of thought while speaking

• Understanding the meaning of words

• Paying attention during long conversations

• Remembering the steps in common activities they’ve done thousands of times, such as getting dressed or cooking a meal

• Blocking out background noises from the radio, TV or secondary conversations

• Sensitivity to touch, tone and loudness of voices

To make communication easier, you can:

• Make eye contact and call this person by name.

• Be aware of the tone of your voice, your body language, and how you look at a person. If these appear to contribute to their distress, adjust your approach.

• Encourage two-way conversation for as long as possible.

• Use other methods besides speaking, such as gentle touch.

• If communication creates a problem, try a distraction.

To encourage them to communicate with you, you can:

• Show a warm, loving, matter-of-fact manner.

• Hold the person’s hand while you talk.

• Be open to the person’s concerns, even if he or she is hard to understand.

• Let him or her make some decisions and stay involved.

• Be patient with angry outbursts. Remember, it’s the illness “talking.”

To communicate effectively with a person who has Alzheimer’s, you can:

• Offer simple, step-by-step instructions.

• Repeat instructions and allow more time for a response. Try not to interrupt.

• Don’t talk about the person as if he or she isn’t there.

• Don’t talk to the person using “baby talk” or a “baby voice.”

In your communication, be direct, specific and positive.

• Say “Let’s try it this way,” instead of pointing out mistakes.

• Say “Please do this.” Instead of “Don’t do this.”

• Say “Thanks for helping.” Even if the end results aren’t perfect.

At Redeemed In-Home Care, our caregivers are trained in these methods of effective, sensitive communication to reach individuals who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. To start a conversation about our team coming alongside you to care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, reach out to us here.

How Do I Know When to Start In-Home Care?

Choosing to bring caregivers into your life requires carefully assessing your unique situation, considering your available options and placing your trust in others to provide personalized attention.

At Redeemed In-Home Care, we have the special experience of sourcing quality caregivers for others and having our very own loved ones as the recipients of such care. Having made this decision ourselves, we’re able to see it from your perspective.

How do you know when it’s time to start in-home care? Begin by becoming aware of these signs it may be time.

10 Signs It’s Time to Begin In-Home Care

1. Struggles With Home Upkeep. A cluttered, dirty home may be a sign that your loved one physically/emotionally has too much to manage on their own. Piles of belongings around the home and an overgrown/unkempt home exterior can present potential safety issues.

2. Hygiene Issues. Personal hygiene can devolve over time. Pay attention to appearance and body odor. Soiled clothing or piles of clothing could indicate someone is not physically able to do the laundry. Or they may have a memory issue that’s preventing them from completing personal hygiene tasks.

3. Weight Change. A noticeable change in body weight could mean that someone is struggling physically to prepare their own nutritious meals or could allude to their lack of desire to eat stemming from loneliness or depression.

4. Problems Driving. Traffic tickets, dents and dings on a vehicle and accidents are all red flags that your loved one’s driving may have become a hazard to themselves and others.

5. Confusion. Patterns of confused behavior could indicate memory problems or dementia onset. Confusion could also indicate other underlying medical issues or medication mismanagement. Getting lost, forgetting routine tasks and mismanaging finances are all red flags.

6. Medication Mismanagement, Difficulty Following Physician’s Instructions. This can be a safety issue that presents significant medical and cognitive consequences. Is your loved one following care instructions sent home by their physician? Are they missing medications from their pillbox?

7. Loneliness. Now more than ever, social isolation is an epidemic among the elderly and can have a profound effect on mental and physical well-being. An in-home caregiver can provide companionship and help facilitate valued relationships for your loved one, leading to an uplifted mood and a renewed sense of purpose. We are all better together.

8. Falls. Repeated falls are a definite sign that something is wrong. Possible causes of falls could be weakness, worsening of a medical condition, cognitive problems or medication mismanagement. If a caregiver is not present to help minimize falls, this could lead to much more serious problems. Falls are the leading cause of disability for people over the age of 65.

9. Mobility Issues. Problems with mobility could include walking, as well as challenges in dressing, bathing and transferring from the bed or on and off the toilet.

10. Missed Appointments. If your loved one is missing scheduled appointments, it could be a memory issue or an organizational one. Either way, it’s important to determine the root cause of missed appointments for the mental and physical health of your loved one.

We know the decision to hire an in-home caregiver is unique to every family. Above all, we want the very best for your loved one, and we want you to have the utmost in confidence in their care. We’d love to schedule a virtual consultation or a phone call to further discuss any questions you may have. Reach out to us here.