What are the steps to legally hire a private caregiver for my mother?

This gets sticky and you are wise to think twice. Many times it works out well, but to do it legally, you will likely - I say likely as states differ - be considered the employer and need to pay taxes.
In any case, if she gets hurt working, you could get sued. So, proceed carefully, but if this is the perfect person, you may be able to make it work. Just check with your state to make sure you are doing the right thing. Good luck,
Carol

When you hire somebody from a Agency they make the money, the caregiver does all the work and gets very little pay, you have no warranty on getting the same caregiver, also you still could end up with a bad one.

Carol:

I live in California. Who should I contact about my situation? Also, ir you are willing I would like your contact information , so I can discuss this matter with you in detail

I did not have good outcomes with hiring aides that were not part of an agency but maybe you could find a retired nurse who would word for you I would check with my insurance agent to see if she would be covered most of the aides we hired privetly charged almost what an agency would charge-I hope things work out for you.

Be very careful in hiring someone privately, unless they are a VERY DEAR friend or a VERY CLOSE relative. Agencies assume responsibility for payroll taxes, workers comp. insurance and liability insurance. You are responsible while a privately paid person is in your home, for all of these things. And even though you want to think that nothing bad is going to happen...sometimes it does.

kms1025 I co-sign your information. Be Careful.