06-30-2008, 05:01 AM
We recently signed up through the state of Hawaii to be the chore/ care giver for an elderly neighbor. The state pays Hawaii minimum Wage for taking care of our elderly. Seven something an hour. I cant imagine living on that. Also you are not a state employee you are the elderly persons employee. So if you get hurt on the job you don't even have workers insurance. Your only recourse is to sue the elderly person you are caring for. Seems like a set up for disaster in every way. Low pay and the potential for the elderly getting sued. I wonder how many big island business pay minimum wage? It weird to think that Taco Bell in Kona will pay 12+ and hour but the state only pays 7+ to take care of our elderly.