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Was asked for my fee for private care. I told her $25/ hr. She then asked for 4 whole days of care for her mother, and I agreed. We never agreed on a fixed rate. .

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It should be flat rate until negotiated otherwise to your advantage.

My in laws in 2020 acquired a hourly who they paid 20 an hour. They needed her to be around 117 hours per week. This person was and is now maybe 80 hours a week with the implicit promise that this woman will now give up 40 hours off off time to work.
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I hope you made it clear that it was $25 per hour and that four days is 96 hours. Please also keep track of every time you had to get up at night so they don't try and insist they shouldn't pay for overnight hours.
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Most states do allow employers to exclude "sleep hours" (I think California is the only one that doesn't).

Even if a state allows exclusion of sleep hours, though, you don't have to agree to it. If you didn't have an explicit agreement about that, and if your state allows it, my guess is the employer has a right to exclude those hours. The employer does have to meet certain criteria to exclude sleep hours: you have to be given a separate room to sleep in, and you aren't supposed to be bothered during those hours. You're not "on call" then. But even this varies by state.

$25 per hour times 24 hours would be $600 per day, which is much higher than what agencies charge (agencies usually charge around $300-$400 per day in my experience, at least at the lower end).

You can certainly charge anything you like, though! Just be sure to get it in writing--in a text message at least, if not in a formal contract. The standardized forms are a great idea. Good luck!!
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Alvadeer, you’re absolutely right!!!
I didn’t CMA… I’m going to get them standardized and printed leaving the dates and dollar amounts blank. To be filled in accordingly…
Thanks a bunch
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MargaretMcKen
Not sure what you’re referring to re: accommodations. There’s a guest room for me for overnights , but I’m sure you’d agree there’s no place like home. You’re correct , that it’ll be expensive but she’d pay double my rate if she went with an agency. I’m not the only CG she’s had but I’m the first she’s ever felt comfortable enough to leave her mother with for a business trip. I guess her peace of mind makes my expense worth it in her eyes. Along with my 8 years of experience.
Thanks for your input.
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Brina, regarding ‘sleeping hours’, in some cases carers ‘sleep over’ just so that there is someone in the house in case of possible emergencies. Often the carers don’t have their own accommodation, and it works well both ways. That’s not working for you – perhaps because the person wakes more often, or perhaps because you can’t relax in a strange place. If you want to be paid for all night, it will be very expensive and may not work for either party.

It might be a good idea to get more caring experience, including about contracts. You are effectively starting your own business, and there is usually a lot to learn. One way to do it might be to work for an agency for a while. How else could you find out more?
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You get an agreement drawn as to what you are being paid per hour, how many hours you are to be giving care, for how long, and what your duties are. This agreement should be written. Signed by you both.
What would happen if you did all the care and she decided to pay nothing?
Get it in writing. Get a deposit. Be clear on her expectations and your limits and whether or not food is supplied, and etc.
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Thanks @Isthisrealyreal,
Ive seen posts mention “ sleeping hours”, being exempt from charge. In my experience there’s no such thing as I’m responsible for the client for the entire day. This is day 3 and I’m exhausted. I don’t really sleep. I’m working so my mind and body never really shut down…
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Uh, yes you did, 25.00 an hour. That's your rate, doesn't matter if it is half day, full day or 4 days.
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