of criminal background checks. There are county databases, FBI database, national database, etc. Some are more up to date than others. County databases may not necessarily have the latest incident. It is better for your investigations to overlap than for you to miss critical information. Go further and Google them. Gilroy and Morgan Hill have“ Most Wanted Lists.” These are people who have not been convicted but there is ample evidence against them. Civil lawsuit cases do not show up in criminal background checks, but Google might reveal that a candidate you find delightfully charming, has been involved in scamming a client. Check them out on Facebook and see what they post. You will be surprised what you can learn.
• Most of them do not carry bond insurance, liability insurance and / or worker’ s compensation insurance. California is considered a“ no fault” state. Even if you require an independent contractor to get their own insurance, if they don’ t, you are liable as the implied employer. Your best bet – ask your lawyer to guide you, or at least look into what coverage you might be able to provide or insist they get, to cover them, and protect your interests and your parents’ interests.
Before you hire, make sure you are aware of all the laws that you must comply with when employing a home health caregiver. There are overtime laws, break time rules, sick days, sleep-time rules, travel time pay, etc., you must comply with. Don’ t forget to arrange for back-ups. Who can help you if your independent caregiver can’ t report to work? Especially during the flu season, a back-up is essential.
Thinking of ignoring some of the above and paying under the table? It is best that you don’ t. Good caregivers work hard and deserve to be treated right. Remember the Golden Rule. When cutting corners, remember that corners can have sharp edges. Be fair, kind and respectful to those you hire-you will be glad you did!
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 gmhtoday. com
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