If your elderly parent needs help on a day-to-day basis, but does not want to move to a retirement home, it's time to start looking for in-home care.
Finding someone trustworthy who can adequately meet your parent's needs is crucial.
You can begin the search by asking friends and family if they are looking for a job in caregiving.
If they are, you may have just saved yourself some time.
Most people, however, do not know someone who is both qualified and looking for a job.
With on-line databases of caregivers, this isn't a problem, since they include provider profiles and potential employers can look at them.
If you choose to use one of these websites, please remember that not everyone on these sites has the same qualifications.
Some people are new to the job, while others have been doing it for years.
Ideally you want someone with past experience, especially if the caregiver is involved in medical care, such as dispensing medicines or scheduling doctor's appointments.
When deciding who to interview, only choose people who have already had a background check.
This helps you filter out anyone who has had any trouble with the law.
It may also save your great-grandmother's antique china set from being stolen when your parent isn't watching.
Also, try to avoid interviewing someone who can't provide any references from previous employers.
This is a red flag that something went wrong in the past.
When it comes time to interview your prospective candidates, it is imperative to cover certain topics.
Be sure to have the candidate elaborate on past experience.
This will help you determine how much training you will need to provide before this person is ready to take care of your parent.
Keep in mind that is possible to hire someone who is overqualified.
Someone who simply needs help in the kitchen doesn't need a retired RN to care for him on a daily basis.
Someone with dementia, however, might.
Ask the candidate to describe how she responded to an emergency in her past.
This can help you gauge whether they panic or take control in emergencies.
Ideally, you want someone who can think on her feet when the unexpected happens.
It is also important to discern how passionate this person is about the job.
You probably want someone who will be attentive, forming a bond with your parent.
Someone who is constantly texting or checking her email may only be doing the bare minimum for your parent.
Once the interviews are completed, you can pick your top candidate and train her.
Many of the providers are available to start work immediately, so you don't have to wait for them to be ready for you.