Consumer Alert

If you or your family member is considering hiring someone to help with services in your home, please make sure you are a fully informed consumer. Knowing the issues and the facts can actually save you money and prevent possible legal problems.

Examples of possible problems

ISSUE	Hiring by yourself or through a registry *	Interim HealthCare

Services	You are responsible for knowing what services are needed.	Since 1966, Interim has been helping people in their homes and making sure they get the right services for the right reason.

Hiring and Scheduling	You are responsible for the hiring process from advertising to interviewing to separating the employment relationship. You are also responsible for scheduling. This means making all the phone calls and worrying about someone actually showing up to work.	We use a hiring process refined through 40 years of experience and we are responsible for all scheduling.

Supervision	You are the boss and responsible for managing performance and discipline.	Our employees are trained and supervised.

Back Up	You are the back up for services. If the person is sick or on vacation, it?s up to you to find a replacement. This can take both time and money to advertise.	We are responsible for finding other employees to meet your needs.

Background	You are responsible for criminal background checks. You could be placing your loved one in danger.	Our employees are screened with criminal background and license checks as required by state laws.

Taxes	You are responsible for withholding taxes and social security, filing appropriate reports and paying employer and employee taxes in a timely manner. Penalties are severe and could result in large fines.	We handle all aspects of employment, including all employer taxes and reporting.

Malpractice	We carry professional liability insurance and are responsible as the employer.	We are responsible for all scheduling.

Employee Injuries	You are responsible if there is an injury in your home. This could result in medical bills or even a major lawsuit.	Our employees are insured and covered by worker?s compensation as required by state law.

Theft	You are responsible if an employee takes something from you.	Our employees are bonded.

*Some registries may offer payroll services, scheduling, limited screening and match caregivers with clients but there is no employee-employer relationship.