I have a question. Can a person be employed to provide caregiving for a relative? I mean if a person needs someone to live with them, provide meals, lawn and house maintenance can they employ a relative to do that. Will the relative then be able to fill out a 1099 self employment form, take care of his/her own taxes, social security and everything else? I am unemployed and thinking of relocating but my father is 80 and does need such services. He is unwilling to relocate but jobs are very hard to find where I am.
You should contact his financial advisor or banker or an attorney. You are basicallly setting up a small business for yourself. Find out how much he would have to pay to hire someone to do the work you will be doing. Do not short yourself since you will be paying social security and taxes. Will you get free room and board? This can be in lieu of payment but still has a value. It may make sense to pay for a room and contribute for your food.
Does your Dad need around the clock care? If not, maybe you can find other elderly folks who need yard work or home maintenance work done. Consider becoming bonded if you work in other people's homes.
The biggest worry is you probably won't have health insurance. If you have a small business, you may be able to get coverage through a business owners' association. Look into this.
Do you have siblings? You may want to make sure that they understand what you are doing is helping your dad and all above board. Sometimes siblings, even though they don't want to help out themselves, think you are taking "advantage" of dad by not working for free. Unless you are paid $100K per year, much of what you will be doing will be way cheaper than your dad could have anyone else do it.
Save all receipts and keep a journal of what you are doing to help your dad. This is just in case anyone questions anything down the road. In the world of no good deed goes unpunished, you still have to look out for yourself.
You dad is fortunate that you are willing to relocate to be near him and to help. Good luck!
Julie Q