10 Tips for Choosing the Right In-Home Caregiver for your Elderly Loved Ones
Having the right in-home caregiver for an elderly loved one can greatly impact their quality of life.
Choosing an in-home caregiver is a deeply personal and important decision. Having the right in-home caregiver for an elderly loved one can greatly impact their quality of life.
My Journey | After Mama’s health crises, her ability to care for herself significantly declined, and she needed more help with daily activities than I could provide while working full-time. Despite working remotely, balancing caregiving with my job was not feasible. My search for a caregiver began with a Google search, leading me to a site called “A Place for Mom.” This resource was invaluable in identifying local caregiving agencies and providing information on financial resources, including veteran’s benefits for elderly caregiving.
As I was a newbie in this process, I hired a caregiver from the first agency that I interviewed. Despite using their services for almost a year, I was unhappy with the quality and the cost. I was also concerned about the frequent turnover of caregivers. Ultimately, I chose to end the agency’s services and sought a caregiver independently. I found care.com to be a better option for my needs because it gave me more control over the selection process and expenses. I was fortunate to find a wonderful caregiver that adores Mama, after applying some lessons learned from my initial search.
Here are some valuable lessons I learned from this experience:
Assess Care Needs Clearly:
Start by evaluating the specific needs of your elderly loved one, including medical requirements, daily living assistance, and any special care considerations. Ask your elderly loved one and other trusted family and friends, for input in determining their needs. Also, if you’ve had caregivers previously, consider what you liked and disliked. This will help you determine the level of care required and match it with a caregiver’s qualifications. Be sure to write down the caregiving needs to have them available when you are requesting caregiving services and interviewing caregivers.
Clearly State Caregiving Needs:
Whether it is through an agency, an online service or through other means, define the caregiving needs clearly in your request. For example: take vital signs daily, prepare special diet meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), provide companionship and conversation, etc. Make sure these are discussed during the interview process.
Check Credentials and Experience:
Verify that the caregiver has the necessary qualifications, certifications, and experience. Look for certifications like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA), and inquire about their experience with similar care needs.
Conduct Thorough Background Checks and Verify References:
Ensure the caregiver has undergone comprehensive background checks, including criminal records and driving records if they will be transporting your parent. This step is crucial for ensuring safety and reliability. In addition, ask for and check references from previous employers or families. This can provide insight into the caregiver’s work ethic, reliability, and how well they interact with elderly clients.
PRO TIP: Research reputable resources to develop questions to ask references and have them handy when you contact them. Ask experiential questions related to the needs of your loved one. AARP, A Place for Mom and Care.com, Amazon’s Caregiver Hub, and other such organizations has helpful resources. You can also check out my blog Interview Questions for In-home Senior Caregivers.
Determine Compatibility:
Consider personality and temperament. Arrange a meeting between the caregiver and your loved one to assess their interaction and comfort level. You may want to consider a trial period as a way to test the caregiver’s compatibility with your loved one. A good match can make a significant difference in the caregiving experience.
A good caregiver match can make a significant difference in the caregiving experience.
6. Discuss Communication Skills:
Effective communication is essential for a successful caregiving relationship. Determine whether the caregiver is able to communicate clearly and empathetically with both you and your loved one.
PRO TIP: Be sure to have your elderly loved one participate in the interview, ask questions, etc. This helps you to assess how the caregiver responds.
7. Understand the Care Plan:
Discuss and clarify the caregiver’s approach to the care plan. Ensure they are willing and able to follow specific care instructions and adapt to any changes in your parent’s needs.
Be sure the caregiver understands your loved one’s care plan and is able to follow specific care instructions.
8. Review Flexibility and Availability:
Determine the caregiver’s availability and willingness to work with your schedule. Flexibility is crucial in managing unexpected changes or additional care needs.
9. Consider Costs and Contracts:
Discuss and understand the cost of care, including any potential additional charges. Review and sign a clear contract outlining the terms of employment, responsibilities, and expectations.
10. Trust Your Instincts:
Finally, trust your own instincts and observations. If something doesn’t feel right or if you have any reservations, it’s important to address them promptly or consider other options.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your elderly loved one receives the compassionate, professional care they deserve.
