Because you do not have an agency to manage your caregiver, all of the day-to-day managing is up to you. Before a private caregiver begins working for you, you must establish guidelines. Write down your expectations and have a preliminary meeting with your caregiver to discuss them. Your expectations should include:

·      Explanation of work requirements

·      Beginning and ending times

·      Dress code

·      Things you must have

·      Things you can not stand

·      Payment

. You should have a formal conversation with your caregiver every week to discuss what is going well and what needs improvement. Frequently communicating with your caregiver is a great way to ensure the success of your relationship. You and your caregiver will feel more comfortable asking questions and expressing any concerns to each other. If a problem does not get addressed, it will probably continue and could possibly get worse. Open communication with your private caregiver will prevent any unnecessary stress. If you feel that the line of communication you have with your caregiver is not effective, you should start looking for another caregiver.

To pay a private caregiver, you must ensure that they sign a conditional waiver and an unconditional waiver. A conditional waiver will prevent the private caregiver from claiming rights to your property. An unconditional waiver should be signed at every pay period and will prevent any disputes about payment in the future.

When it comes to withholding taxes and filing reports with the state and federal government, you must first complete Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. You should keep this file in your records after completion. Then, you must complete Form 1099-MISC. This form will report your financial information, payment and due taxes, to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Form 1099-MISC must be distributed to your private caregiver by January 31 of the year succeeding payment and to the IRS by February 28. Form 1099-MISC is only required if you expect to be paying your private caregiver more than $600 per year.

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