Burnout and Hiring an Outside Caregiver

[grafixapn]

As a caregiver for my wife with PSP, I understand burnout. Being a caregiver isn’t easy, and caring for a loved one with PSP also isn’t easy. At some point you will need to hire outside help. I have put together information as to where and how to hire a caregiver. The one thing you will come to learn about me, is I try to provide good and free information. My latest contribution is everything you need to know about hiring a caregiver, not as an employee, but as an independent Contractor. The main reason you don’t want to hire someone as an employee, is you become responsible for withholding US taxes. I go into greater detail about taxes and more on my site. I have even included a contract to hire an Independent Contractor together with a list of Services (duties) the caregiver needs to do.

Some of you have been to my website

supportpsp.com

and saw that I don’t ask for anything; the site is just for good information. The contract and everything on the site is available for free, and without any obligation.

I’m a private person. Unless someone asks, I don’t talk about my feelings. I prefer to just offer information not available anywhere else. Just understand that I know how you feel and the things you live with. I too wear the shoes of a caregiver, and I also share your pain.

Andy

I hope to update a page on my website to include the do's and don'ts when dealing with a caregiver.

Please remember that I work on the website whenever I have time. There is never enough time, and only when I have something new to report. On the "Site Map" page I always include a date when something is added or changed. Just because you came one time doesn't mean you have seen everything.

I thank you all for your kind words about my website. It's what I do to remain sane.

[enjoysalud]

Hi Andy, I am familiar with what you have put together and think it is excellent. I have a suggestion. PSP caretakers have little time. It would be helpful if on your profile you would identify what state and city you are located or each time you post state the state and city. The USA has federal and state laws and sometimes they are at odds with each other. I life in California (Los Angeles). Thank you!!

[grafixapn in reply to enjoysalud]

I live in Phoeniz, AZ and I go to a support group in Tenpe, AZ. We meet the 3rd Saturday of the odd month. At our last meeting we had 19 people show up. The sad fact is my wife has out lived everyone of the original group. Currently 3 members who have PSP are now using Tasigna. None of those who have passed used Tasigna. I need to repeat that Tasigna is NOT a cute. The drug however slows the progression of PSP. My wife is going into her 16th year having PSP. Still using a walker but gets tired more these days.

[enjoysalud in reply to grafixapn]

Thank you for the info! I hope you had added it to your profile.

WOW, I am happy for your wife, and for the time your conscientious care-taking has taken and helped to result in your wife's remarkable endurance.

[Dadshelper]

I've used both private caregivers and agency supplied. In the US you can avoid most the tax issues of a private individual by hiring them as a 1099 person instead of being a "direct hire" and using W2's etc. As a 1099 they are responsible for paying their own taxes, usually on a quarterly basis. It's explained well on the IRS website.

Ron

[grafixapn in reply to Dadshelper]

Unless you have a contract where the caregiver agrees to be an independent Contractor, you can be on the hook for taxes that as an employer you are responsible for. It's better to follow the law and be safe than sorry.

[Beads0122]

Andy,

Thanks for the info. I hope that none of us experience a more difficult role in our lives than “caregiver”.

Keep Sane,

Bobby