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Selecting the Best Caregiver for Your Parent
Jul 01, 2020
Finding the best care for a parent is a priority for any child, yet it can be a daunting task. Following the guidelines below may make it less intimidating.
Assess Level of Care Needed
There are varying levels of care, and before you can select the appropriate caregiver with the necessary skills, you will need to know exactly what is needed.
Make a list of your parent’s needs…be specific and exhaustive in compiling your list. This list will become the job description for their caregiver.
Consider the following:
- How often does your parent need care? Twice a week? A few hours a day? 24 hours a day / 7 days a week?
- Does your parent just need a companion?
- Does your parent need a sitter to help reduce general risk?
- Does your parent need medication management?
- Does your parent need housekeeping?
- Does your parent need medical assistance (i.e. wound care, monitoring vital signs, monitoring glucose levels)
- Does your parent need assistance with selfcare such as bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding?
- Does your parent need meal prep?
- Does your parent need overnight care?
- Does your parent need transportation?
Determine Your Budget
Once you have determined exactly what care is needed, the next step is to determine the budget you have to work with. Your finances may affect your caregiver options.
Then, determine if you’re better served by hiring a private caregiver or using the services of an agency.
Private Caregiver versus an Agency
- Private Caregiver Benefits:
- Generally less expensive.
- Can potentially find someone already familiar with your parent, as these are typically found through referrals.
- Same caregiver each day. When using an agency, there is no guarantee you’ll have the same caregiver every day. You are not in control of scheduling.
- Private caregivers tend to have more flexibility in what services they can do. Home care agencies can have restrictions of what a caregiver can / cannot do.
- Agency Benefits:
- The hiring process is easier. They do all the hiring, firing and supervision.
- They typically perform background checks, verify caregivers’ certifications and experience, and take care of payroll (including filing payroll taxes) and scheduling.
- They require caregivers to attend periodic training on variety of skills / subjects, some regulated by state requirements.
- They will cover all shifts. If you’re using a private caregiver, and they cannot show up for a shift, you will be responsible for finding someone or covering the shift yourself.
- If a caregiver assigned from their agency doesn’t work out, they can easily assign a new caregiver. If a private caregiver does not work out, the burden is on you to go back through selection process in order to secure a new caregiver.
Prepare Interview Questions for the Potential Caregiver
It’s important to get a sense for the person who will be caring for your parent and understand their motivation and values.
Suggested Questions:
- What made you become a professional caregiver?
Asking why someone chose this career is a solid opportunity to see what motivates them. Identify sincerity and interest in their response. Note: most reputable home care agencies will have already had this conversation with them.
- Do you have references? (especially if hiring directly)
- Do you specialize in any area?
Caregivers offer a wide range of skills. Good agencies will employ caregivers who are trained to handle specific needs (for example, dementia).
If your parent has a history of falling, ask caregiver about their ability to help with fall prevention or fall-proofing the home.
- Are you quiet or talkative?
You know your parent better than anyone. If they are quiet and more of an introvert, they may tire quickly of someone more social. Conversely, if your parent is more of an extrovert and social, they may appreciate a caregiver who likes casual conversation or will indulge them in reliving cherished memories.
- How often will you evaluate and update a written care plan?
A written care plan is a document that addresses specific tasks to address your parent’s needs. Home care agencies will prepare these plans prior to providing care, as it serves as a guide for the services expected while the caregiver is in your parent’s home. The care plan also ensures the entire team (the agency, caregiver, your parent, you) are aligned in terms of expectations. If you choose to utilize a private caregiver, rather than an agency, there is no reason you could not develop a written plan with the private caregiver.
Care plans should not be a static document. Just as your parent will change, so should their care. Plans should be flexible and provide the appropriate support for your parent as their needs change.
- Do you have any hobbies?
This might seem a strange question when you’re seeking a caregiver, but it’s also about discovery. If you should discover, for example, the potential caregiver plays piano and your parent used to play, it could be a nice match.
- What is your policy for communicating with a client and their family members?
A well-defined communication plan is essential, especially if you do not live near your parent. Accessibility is very important as well, so ensure your agency is available and has an open line of communication when you need them.
- What kind of food can you cook? Do you have experience in cooking for others?
If your parent will need meal prep, it’s important to know if the caregiver can cook and what they can cook.
- Give me examples of how you deal with a stressful or difficult situation. For instance, how would you handle someone refusing to shower?
- Can I perform a background check? Do not skip this step! (note: most agencies will have already done this for you.)
- Do you have a valid driver’s license? Do you have a clean driving record?
- Do you have formal CPR or first-aid training?
- Would you be able to transfer someone from the bed to chair, to wheelchair, into car?
- Are you willing to sign an agreement that you will not have guests come into the home without prior approval?
- Are you willing to sign a contract stating you will not receive money or gifts from my parent without my knowledge?
- Are there certain caregiver activities you would refuse to perform?
Determine non-negotiables and deal-breakers on your list.
As you interview potential caregivers, notice interactions with your parent.
Leaving your parent in the care of someone you do not know can be a bit frightening, but with some advanced preparation and careful selection, your fears can be alleviated.