A personal service contract, more commonly known as a “caregiver contract,” is a legal agreement between one in need of care and the person who will provide it. A caregiver contract can establish the terms and conditions of the caregiving relationship, including compensation, hours, and responsibilities.
If you are considering hiring a caregiver to help you with your loved one, it is important to create such a contract– even if the person providing the care is a family member. This will help ensure that all parties are clear on the expectations and obligations.
Basics of Creating a Caregiver Agreement
To create a caregiver contract, you may wish to consult with a Brandon elder law attorney. This will help ensure that your agreement is legally binding and meets your state’s requirements.
In general, however, a caregiver contract should include:
- The names and contact information of the parties involved
- A description of the services to be provided
- The compensation amount and frequency
- The start and end date (or “at will” if the agreement is open-ended)
- The hours of work
- Any benefits provided, such as vacation or sick days
- A section on confidentiality, if needed
- Signatures of both parties and witnesses, if required by your state
It might be necessary to add clauses to the agreement, such as:
- Backup care for when the primary caregiver is sick or takes a vacation
- Termination clause for when one party wants to back out of the contract
- Compensation for room and board if the caregiver moves in with the person needing care, or vice versa
- Allowance for out-of-pocket costs
Of course, each caregiving situation is unique and there may be additional elements you’ll want to include in your contract that are not addressed in this article. If you have questions about some of those elements which may be unique to your family or need help getting started, we are here to offer assistance. Simply contact our Brandon elder law firm at (813) 438-8503 to schedule an appointment.