Berlin, Conn. (PRWEB) October 23, 2015
Euro-American Connections & Homecare (EACH) – the premier homecare provider in Connecticut specializing in Eastern-European caregivers – through its referral registry, Euro-American Connections, LLC (EAC), has developed a Comprehensive Independent Homecare Program (CIHP), that will enable families to hire live-in and certain hourly caregivers without the overtime costs associated with the recent revisions to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The recent FLSA regulations require employee-based homecare agencies (but not individuals or their families) to pay caregivers at least minimum wage (currently $9.15 per hour in Connecticut) for all hours worked and time-and-a-half for all hours worked over 40 per week. Under these regulations, employee-based agencies will not be able to take advantage of any FLSA overtime exemptions, and will need to (1) raise their billing rates by as much as 50 percent, or (2) rotate three different caregivers each week for a single live-in assignment to avoid paying overtime. This will also force live-in caregivers to secure three assignments per week (each not over 40 hours), from three different agencies, in order for the caregiver to earn what they had earned in the past from one seven-day live-in assignment.
The FLSA allows individuals and their families to take advantage of certain exemptions from minimum wage and/or overtime. EAC’s Program utilizes the individual’s “live-in domestic employee” exemption under the FLSA, under which the caregiver is not required to be paid overtime. This allows families to employ a single affordable live-in caregiver to work seven days a week, and avoid the disruption that three rotating caregivers would cause to the elderly person’s routines and relationships. This continuity of care is particularly critical for those impacted by Dementia or Alzheimer’s.
“Consistency of care and independence is important to families who want their loved ones to maintain the comforts of home,” said Maggie Drag, Founder & Owner of Euro-American Connections.
This Program also (1) subjects all caregivers to EAC’s rigorous 10-Step Screening and Evaluation, (2) arranges full administrative support for the family to take care of all payroll, withholding and tax filing requirements, (3) makes sure all caregivers are bonded and covered by general liability insurance, unemployment insurance and accident insurance, and (4) arranges for substitute and replacement caregivers, when necessary.
“EAC will make available to consumers independent caregivers to work directly for them, and who can provide the kindness, compassion and consistency that they deserve,” said Drag. “Our Program is unmatched in the industry, and our team will continue to provide seniors and their families with the professionalism, courtesy and commitment that Euro-American Connections is known for.”
To learn more, visit: http://www.homecare4u.com.
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About Euro-American Connections & Homecare
Euro-American Connections & Homecare is the premier homecare provider in Connecticut specializing in Eastern-European caregivers. Euro-American Connections, LLC is a referral registry that matches independent caregivers with consumers looking to hire a caregiver directly to provide care for the elderly and people with disabilities.