In search of experienced, trained, certified professional for help taking care of my father in law who is 79 and has Alzheimer's and dementia. He can bathe, dress himself and go to the bathroom 100% on his own. The position entails the following expectations and responsibilities; reliable vehicle, valid license, active insurance coverage, good driving record, driving him locally to get a book or coffee, etc., picking up his prescriptions, go to target or other local places he likes, light house cleaning done every shift, occasionally feeding 5 dogs, occupying him while I go to my own appts, run errands, etc. Occasionally some laundry, keeping him entertained so I can handle phone calls, emails, voicemails, ppwk, documents, etc. Driving him to a senior day center once a week or possibly more or possibly not at all, provide socialization and companionship with someone other than his family, providing mentally stimulating activities and interaction, accompanying him to lunch out in the community, guiding him and demonstrating his physical therapy exercises, picking up pre-ordered groceries, preparing one healthy meal per shift. Mostly the job is about offering companionship and socialization and exposure to kind people and engaging him in activities he enjoys. No heavy lifting. He's kind, cooperative, non-violent, pretty easy going, all the good stuff. And if I could eat and sleep occasionally that'd be nice too. Starting at $20 dollars, strictly cash. Tips and gifts likely. Car and gas provided while working. At least a few hours a week for now, afternoons only, flexible, with the possibility of a set schedule with many more hours if you are compatible and competent.
The problem with under the table employment is getting caught by the IRS if caregiver is not reporting the income. And if this is his money, the payments if not handled legally they could be considered gifts to caregiver, making him ineligible for Medicaid.I
Spend some money to see an attorney that specializes in elder law. You need to protect yourself and dad too. There are some unscrupulous caregivers out there.
Being completely honest in your expectations will get you the best helper available.
One thing else, people need to have a set schedule, so no willy nilly about hours. Decide how many days per week, how many hours per day and make that the starting point to get started, add that hours can be increased if all parties agree.
No aid that is any good will go for a few hours a week to start, with the potential for more if you're good enough, mostly companion with a long list of duties, ambiguity begets ambiguity when employing someone. Be definite in the required duties, hours and expectations per shift, this will weed out many people before you start interviewing.
Have you considered hiring a personal chef that comes in and prepares a couple of weeks worth of meals at a time? Getting a housekeeper to come in every other week to do deep cleaning? These are time consuming and hiring specifically for them would make wanting a companion more realistic then what you are now asking.
Best of luck, every business is having a hard time getting employees.
You've written a good job description to start but I see some gigantic red flags:
1) The five dogs. Whatever you think of them, there are five, and most agencies would insist on no interaction--not even "occasional feeding"--if they send anyone at all. Dogsitters here charge $50/day per dog for doggy day care. Want the animal to go to a park or run around? That's $35/animal/day.
Even a healthy person does not normally desire five dogs. There are ways to rehome socialized animals with minimal fear of euthanasia.