She lost the part of her brain that handles cognitive thinking, decision making and etc. Has control of only 1 arm, balance issues and seizures. It’s a lot more complicated than that, but it is the easiest way to sum it up. Her family has bought her a beautiful home and proposed I move in to be her full-time caregiver. Currently, I am working 12-20 hrs a week as she lives in a house on the family estate. Her parents are not getting any younger and won’t be on property, so I would be responsible for medicine dispensing, managing her healthcare (specialist appts and all), meal prep, light housekeeping, managing the home, taking care of her dog and everything. It’s hard to say how many actual hours worked because every day will be different. I will need to have 24/7 availability. She can bath and use the bathroom on her own. With room and board being provided I am not sure what would be fair pay to request. I don’t want to take advantage but will still need to pay for my vehicle and upkeep, auto and health insurance, clothing, retirement savings and etc. any suggestions?
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/hiring-in-home-caregiver-affects-taxes-171023.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20230503&key=393778f0-abf5-4b9b-b261-9fc3031d5c29&mkt_tok=MzA1LVpYWi00NjYAAAGLgM0Mw1uLMv54-kWXbI5jEAaggXeqGBpgGtPOlwrLqWTL4UQ-9cxnSvEOAqPCioYI6_tzsW-KnfFRK6M_zDVzXNnlFJKCNFCk_3A1MpryjA
Most caregivers are on site for the employer’s convenience. So there are rules a paying tenant wouldn’t expect, like no guests.
Be clear on what hours you are “working” and when you are off the clock. If 3 hours in the morning, 2 at night, and 5 hours to be arranged each week works for everyone, great. Add in overtime, with a minimum number of hours when “called” if on call, e.g., 2 hour minimum during waking hours or 4 when called out of bed.
Being on site, let alone on shift, 24/7 is not sustainable. If you try it, charge enough to set aside savings because you’ll need an emergency fund if it doesn’t end well.
Genworth’s cost of care agrees with $25 an hour for Florida.
https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html
Edited to add: they’ll need to pay you as an employee, so they’ll pay their share of SS and Medicare, if not, charge more to cover it. They are also responsible for at least workman’s comp and liability if you are injured as part of your work. Check your state’s requirements for anything else.
If you get sick who will watch her?
There are people on this forum who are or have been in the caregiver profession. I am hoping they will be able to give you their opinion.
Best wishes to you.