Employing a Carer
Employing extra help can be very worth while in many ways, but it can be expensive, and it is sometimes difficult to find a carer that is going to cater for your specific needs. There are two ways of going about it. You can employ a carer directly or use the services of an agency that employs carers. Either way, if the person being carer for is a relative, it is possible to claim tax relief on the cost.
If you decide to employ a carer directly, you or the person being cared for, should register as an employer. This is not a difficult process, but it follows that you will have to be responsible for your employee’s tax and social insurance. You will also have to familiarise yourself with hours of work, contracts of employment, minimum wage, payslips and holidays. This can all seem a little daunting, but it is all very achievable and can be well worth it if you succeed in finding the right person for the job.
Before you talk to an agency or advertise for extra help, you should think about exactly what help you need, particular tasks that may need to be done, specific skills the carer may need, and the hours and days you need the extra help.
If you decide to advertise for someone yourself, it is advisable to give a mobile telephone number or email address, rather than a home telephone number or home address. Narrow your applications down to a handful and arranged to meet them, making sure you have a list of questions prepared to ask. If you are interviewing in your own home, have a friend or family member present. Always ask for and check at least two references, and ask if they have a Garda Clearance Certificate. They should have one of these if they have worked for a reputable agency recently, and this can be reassuring.
Remember, if the person being cared for is not present at the interview, you should make sure, as far as possible, that they will be able to communicate adequately with the new carer and interact well. Someone who is going to help you with your caring role, has to be able to get along with you, the person you are caring for and anyone else who will be directly involved.
Employing extra help can be very worth while in many ways, but it can be expensive, and it is sometimes difficult to find a carer that is going to cater for your specific needs. There are two ways of going about it. You can employ a carer directly or use the services of an agency that employs carers. Either way, if the person being carer for is a relative, it is possible to claim tax relief on the cost.
If you decide to employ a carer directly, you or the person being cared for, should register as an employer. This is not a difficult process, but it follows that you will have to be responsible for your employee’s tax and social insurance. You will also have to familiarise yourself with hours of work, contracts of employment, minimum wage, payslips and holidays. This can all seem a little daunting, but it is all very achievable and can be well worth it if you succeed in finding the right person for the job.
Before you talk to an agency or advertise for extra help, you should think about exactly what help you need, particular tasks that may need to be done, specific skills the carer may need, and the hours and days you need the extra help.
If you decide to advertise for someone yourself, it is advisable to give a mobile telephone number or email address, rather than a home telephone number or home address. Narrow your applications down to a handful and arranged to meet them, making sure you have a list of questions prepared to ask. If you are interviewing in your own home, have a friend or family member present. Always ask for and check at least two references, and ask if they have a Garda Clearance Certificate. They should have one of these if they have worked for a reputable agency recently, and this can be reassuring.
Remember, if the person being cared for is not present at the interview, you should make sure, as far as possible, that they will be able to communicate adequately with the new carer and interact well. Someone who is going to help you with your caring role, has to be able to get along with you, the person you are caring for and anyone else who will be directly involved.
