Finding that "Throat to Choke"

A recent post by an elder care adviser: "Important point:With an agency- you have someone with money to sue if need be!"

Seconded by the franchise owner(?) of a new home health care agency: "you have an agency to sue when you hire an agency (I call it a "throat to choke")" .

In case we don't get the point, they are both saying you had better arrange for your home health care worker through an agency, and not deal directly with the caregiver. After all, throttling is banned in most places, and suing for money only works if there is some to be found. And home care agencies have insurance policies. Therefore, their logic goes,....

Well, good news! Your caregiver can, and increasingly does, have a professional liability policy (Google for any malpractice insurance for home care providers)

These policies are easy to obtain and affordable for the caregiver. With this insurance, you can still directly engage your caregiver, and have the peace of mind of being able to legally throttle her some day, if you choose. And actually get paid when you do the deed.

So, make sure she has a liability policy. If she doesn't, show her any site. From one:

The home carepolicy is specially designed for providers, giving you protection from lawsuits arising out of any mistake, real or perceived, during your care as a home healthcare provider. Here are just a few of the benefits:

• Professional malpractice insurance that protects and defends
• 24 Hour a day coverage - 365 days a year
• Up to $1 million per incident/ $6 million maximum policy period
• Policy travels with you no matter where you work