How do I compensate a sibling who is the primary caregiver for our parent?
Can you recommend any resources to guide a family in deciding how to compensate the sibling who is doing most of the caretaking? This sibling if often a woman, and as we all know, taking time from work affects women's longterm earnings capacity. Our family is in this current situation. Thanks for any advice.
Expert Answer
According to the General Accountability Office, about 80% of home-care services are provided by family caregivers. The services that they provide are tremendous. Many times this essential job is performed without compensation, but in other instances the caregiver is paid for the services he or she (and you are right, it is usually she) provides.
It has been estimated that the average caregiver loses $600,000 in income over the duration of the caregiver's working career factoring in the loss of promotions and other job benefits. The average hourly rate for paid Home Health Aides throughout the country is $18 per hour. It varies however considerably in different regions of the country from a high of $27 per hour to a low of $13 per hour.
There are also considerable tax issues that are involved in acting as a paid cargiver including the payment of withholding taxes. Insurance and liability issues should also be considered.
All in all, caretaking of a relative is a complicated matter, but can be made much less complicated with proper planning. In my book, "Boomer or Bust" I devote a chapter to all of the matters that should be considered when considering family caregiving.