As more and more senior are opting to “age in place“, the direct hiring of senior caregivers are being sought out by family members. Families have questions about minimum wage, overtime and questions about what constitutes payable hours during the care day. Often, they are not aware of the tax obligations of employing a household employee.
Senior Home Care Minimum Wage and Overtime
El Ley de Normas Justas de Trabajo (FLSA) applies minimum wage and overtime protections to household or domestic service workers, including in-home senior caregivers. There are some exceptions:
Empleados domésticos internos Los trabajadores del servicio doméstico que residen con sus empleadores están exentos de las primas por horas extras según la FLSA.State rules vary – this is not universal!) The live-in senior caregiver must be paid for all hours on duty, however, they are not entitled under Federal law to the “time and one half” premium.
Exención por Acompañamiento: Bona fide companions are exempt from both minimum wage and overtime in the FLSA, yet they remain employees subject to Social Security and Medicare taxation. The FLSA defines servicios de compañía as “services which provide fellowship, care, and protection for a person who, because of advanced age or physical or mental infirmity, cannot care for his or her own needs.” These services may include help with bathing, dressing, eating, etc. Some general household work may be performed but must be “incidental” – meaning no more than 20% of the caregiver’s time may be spent in general household work for the exemption to apply. Where the 20% limitation is exceed the employee must be paid overtime. Again, state rules vary and not all recognize the companionship exemption.
In these cases, individuals may negotiate compensation at their own discretion, understanding that fair and reasonable compensation is the best guarantee of low turnover and employee dedication to the work.
Cuidadores de personas mayores y tiempo de sueño
Muchos cuidadores de personas mayores brindan atención las 24 horas del día durante varios días seguidos. Estos cuidadores suelen dormir cuando la atención no se requiere activamente, como cuando la persona mayor está durmiendo. ¿Cómo se compensa este tiempo?
La FLSA permite hasta 8 horas de “tiempo de sueño” no remunerado para cuidados nocturnos que sean TANTO contiguos a un día de trabajo programado (turno de 24 horas o más) COMO realmente ofrezcan al cuidador principal un mínimo de 5 horas de sueño ininterrumpido.
US News and World Report recently noted that “by a 9-to-1 ratio, people prefer to stay in their homes as they get older rather than moving into an institution.” They often become household employers as they hire individuals to help them age in place. Working out these important details with an in-home senior caregiver insures a safe and healthy situation for all.
Download our free ebook on privately hiring an elder care employee so that your loved one can age in place.
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Otros recursos:
Deberes de un cuidador de personas mayores acompañante
Reglas de horas extras para trabajadores de atención a personas mayores
Nómina para cuidadores de adultos mayores empleados en el sector privado
Guía para contratar trabajadores de cuidado de ancianos de forma privada