As your loved one grows older, they may need some in-home care to help with daily tasks. Hiring a caregiver is a huge responsibility, and you need to find someone you can trust. Whether you’re looking for short term, part time care or long term in-home aides who will reside in the home, there are a few things to consider when interviewing candidates.
The first step is to determine the type of care your elderly loved one needs. Write down a list of their daily activities and any special services they require, such as bathing, dressing or eating. Make sure you also include what medical equipment they may need, such as oxygen. If your loved one has a specific illness or condition, such as dementia or incontinence, it will be important to choose a caregiver with experience caring for those conditions.
Once you have a clear idea of what your loved one needs, start by asking friends and neighbors for referrals. It’s likely that at least one of your acquaintances has an aging parent and has hired a home caregiver in the past. They can give you a trustworthy recommendation and their opinion of the caregiver’s skills, character and demeanor.
If possible, bring your senior loved one to the initial interview and ask them to participate in the process. It’s important that they are involved in the selection of their caregiver, so that they feel a connection with them and can build trust. They can listen in on the interview and even ask questions, which will help them to feel comfortable with their new caregiver.
During the interview, you should also ask the candidate for references and their resume. You should call the references and check their background, credentials, and training to ensure they meet your family’s requirements. It’s a good idea to verify that they can drive your loved one to their appointments, and if they have a valid driver’s license. It’s also a good idea to check for any criminal background records.
You can use a home health agency to find caregivers for elderly, or you can hire independently through personal ads, referral services and lists provided by public senior agencies. If you’re hiring independently, you should be prepared to spend some time searching, screening and interviewing candidates. The benefit of using an agency is that they usually have a pool of caregivers available and handle the necessary paperwork for you. They can also provide back-up care if your primary caregiver is unavailable for any reason how to find a caregiver for elderly