Once you decide to hire an in-home caregiver for your aging loved one, you will have a very important decision to make. Who will you choose to be the caregiver? Allowing someone in your home to care for a member of your family requires a lot of trust and confidence in that person.

In order to hire a quality caregiver, you need to do your due diligence during the vetting process. You will never regret the time it took to do so! Take a look at five best practices for hiring the right caregiver to care for your loved one.

Interview them several times

It’s hard to really get a feel for someone from the first interview. The second or third time you speak to someone is when you really get a better understanding of a person’s experience, passion and interests. While this will add a little time and effort to your caregiver search, it is well worth finding someone you like and trust.

Ask open ended questions

During your discussions with your potential caregiver, be sure to ask some open ended questions that make them think and offer their own answers. Simple “yes” or “no” questions are not enough to fully gauge someone’s interest and experience. Offer some scenarios of what the caregiver might encounter in a day’s work and ask what they would do to handle the situation. If they seem unsure or inexperienced with common issues that arise when caring of a senior adult, they may not be the best fit for your family.

Observe their interactions

In addition to making sure a caregiver can tend to the physical needs of your aging loved one, you also want to feel confident that they are serving as a companion. Conduct at least one of your interviews with your aging loved one so that you can see how the caregiver interacts with them. Do they immediately connect with them and put effort into having a conversation or do they seem uncomfortable and disconnected? The natural reaction of the caregiver will likely be the default when they are left to care for your loved one alone. Look for a caregiver who is outgoing, engaging and warm.

Speak to their references

Finally and most importantly, take the time to call each and every reference provided for your caregiver. This is your chance to really gauge their character from people who know them well and have seem them in a caregiving role. Ask the references for their honest opinion, “Would you hire this person to care for your loved one? Would you want them caring for you?” Consider not only what they say, but how they say it. If the references, without hesitation, recommend the caregiver and all seem consistent in their character assessment, this is a good indication you have found a quality caregiver!

Do you have additional questions about hiring a quality caregiver to care for your loved one? Let us advise you! Call Ella Home Care today for a no-cost consultation.