Is It Legal To Work 24 Hours Straight As A Caregiver?

Is It Legal To Work 24 Hours Straight As A Caregiver?
With caregivers, it is not uncommon that they may be required to complete shifts of 24 hours or longer. This is especially true for live-in caregivers.
In most cases, there aren’t any restrictions or laws that would prevent an employer from requiring someone to work for 24 hours straight as long as the employee is over the age of 16. There are, however, laws in place that may require employees to receive overtime pay or limit the hours for teenage workers.
Senior Care Overnight & 24 Hour Shifts
Under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, employees must receive pay for all the hours they work, regardless of the length of their shift – with the exception of unpaid meal periods. The employees must also be paid even if the employer allows them to sleep during their shift while it isn’t busy.
That being said, caregivers or household employees do not have to be paid for up to 8 hours of sleeping time when they work 24 consecutive hours or more. This information should be available in the employee terms of employee or contract. In most cases, even if the employee doesn’t sleep during the allowed sleeping time, they may still not get paid for that time.
Summary:
So, while it is legal to work 24 hours straight as a caregiver there are laws in place to help protect the employee and prevent unnecessary fatigue or stress.
2 Comments
I have a handicapped relative 62 years old who also has demintia. Her conditions have medication for seisures require her to be on anti-seisure medications. The agency has frequently had a care civer work 24 hour shifts.. They are persuaded to take that shift.. but I know at least one worker accepts that long shiftbbecause sh wants the mone y I believe the wage is under $10 an hour. I am not in chagre of this situation butn I am extremely worried for my neice’s safety. She has fallen flat on her back 3 times in less than 3 weeks time.. I cannot understand why a 24 hour shift can
be legal even if the careciver says they will do it. I am VERY CONCERNED for my relative because they will get up and walk around in all times of day and night.and does not ask to do that… they just up and start walking. THere is NO WAY a person on a 24hr shift can be alert enough 24hrs a day to properly care forb this person. Please respond ASAP
Can an aide work 9am-9pm 12 hours day shift with one patient n 9pm-9am 12 hours overnight with another patient the same day?