Picture this… Your elderly parent or loved one has been living at home, but they cannot completely care for themselves. They might need help cooking, cleaning, bathing, and assistance with other activities of daily living. You and your loved one may have come to a verbal agreement that you would be compensated for your time and efforts, or maybe your loved one has been paying a family friend to look after them. You don’t need an actual written contract because you are family, or you have known that family friend for years, right? WRONG.