I am a sponsored provider to my two daughters.  I am 70 years old and have been trying to recruit help for several years.  My past most recent experiences have been to advertise in print and online, screen potential applicants on the phone, set up face to face interview at home, only to have them NO SHOW.  No text, no email, no phone call.  My belief is that people are being paid more in unemployment benefits to stay home than to go to work.  They are not getting compensated enough to work, and let's be clear it takes a special type of person to do personal care and be compassionate and be competent.  

I can pay a decent wage and even have an apartment for a live in helper.  I tried to post my position with the VEC, but could not. The VEC's requirement to post a position is that the employer pays on a W-2 making me subject to withholding taxes, etc.  I could pay on a 1099, but then I would not be able to post my position. 

Sponsored providers do not qualify for respite care.  We are left to find our own help, pay the help and have the responsibility to make sure they have the required training.  Give us a break.  Find us a pool of qualified helpers.  Create a pool of interchangeable qualified helpers that can be used by sponsors, day support, in-home and other waiver programs. 

There are too many obstacles put in place to find help when one is a sponsored provider.