The Do’s and Don’ts of Finding a Homecare Worker

No one wants to think about getting old and needing help, but the reality is that sometimes we need a little extra assistance to stay in our homes. If that time comes for you, it’s important to know what your options are when it comes to homecare. Here are some do’s and don’ts of hiring a homecare worker.

What To DO When Looking for a Home Caregiver

Ask around for recommendations from friends and family

Personal recommendations are always the best way to find someone you can trust. Ask your friends or family if they’ve ever used homecare services, and if they have, see if they’re happy with the person they hired. If you don’t have any friends or family who have used homecare services, ask your doctor or social worker for a referral. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

Do Research

Do research. Check online reviews to get an idea of what other people have said about the homecare worker you’re considering. You can also ask the homecare worker for references from past clients. This is a great way to get first-hand information about the quality of care they provide.

Interview potential candidates in person

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential homecare workers, invite them over for an interview. This is a great opportunity to get to know them better and see if they’re a good fit for the job. It’s also a good opportunity to get a feel for their personality and see if they’re someone you could envision working with on a long-term basis.

Ask qualifying questions

Some questions you may want to ask include:

• What experience do you have caring for people with my loved one’s condition?
• Are you certified in CPR and first aid?
• What are your availability and scheduling flexibility?
• What are your rates?
• Do you have liability insurance?
• What are your thoughts on homecare?
• What would you do if I needed to reach you in an emergency?

Get everything in writing

Once you’ve found the right homecare worker, be sure to get everything in writing. Be sure to include the rate, hours, and any other important details in the agreement. And don’t forget to have your elderly loved one sign off on it as well! This way, everyone will be on the same page and there won’t be any surprises later on.

Make sure you’re both on the same page

One of the most important things to do before a homecare worker starts is to go over your expectations. This includes discussing things like your loved one’s daily routine, what to do in case of an emergency, and what tasks need to be completed each day. It’s also a good idea to introduce the homecare worker to your loved one so they can get to know each other. This will help make the transition smoother and allow your loved one to feel more comfortable with the new person in their life. By taking the time to prepare in advance, you can help ensure that the homecare experience is a positive one for everyone involved.

Meet with the homecare worker regularly

It’s important to stay involved and check in on a regular basis. After all, you want to make sure that they are meeting your expectations and that your loved one is receiving the best possible care. Of course, this can be easier said than done. You’re probably busy with work and other obligations. However, it’s important to make the time to check in on a regular basis. If you have any concerns, be sure to address them with the homecare worker right away. By staying involved and being proactive, you can help ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care.

Trust your gut

There’s an old saying that goes, “If you have a bad feeling about someone, trust your gut.” And when it comes to hiring someone to care for an elderly relative, that couldn’t be more true. It’s better to say no from the start than to hire someone and end up being unhappy with the arrangement. Elderly relatives can be very difficult to care for, and if you’re not 100% confident in the person you’re hiring, it’s going to end badly. There are plenty of other homecare options out there, so take your time and find someone you’re comfortable with. Your gut will thank you for it.

What To AVOID When Looking for a Home Caregiver

Don’t wait until you’re desperate for help

Don’t wait until you’re in a bind to start looking for homecare assistance. It’s always best to be proactive and plan ahead, especially when it comes to your health. If you wait until you’re in a dire situation, you may not have the time or energy to find the best possible caregiver. You may end up settling for someone who is less than qualified or not a good fit for your needs.

Don’t hire the first person you come across

Just because someone is available doesn’t mean they’re the right person for the job. Take your time to interview several candidates before making a decision. This way, you can get a feel for their personality and whether or not they’re a good fit for your home.

Don’t base your decision solely on price

Yes, you want to find someone who is affordable, but that shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. The most important thing is finding someone who will provide quality care. If you choose someone based solely on price, you may end up with subpar care.

Don’t hire someone who is unlicensed or uninsured

You want to make sure the person you’re hiring is qualified and has the proper insurance. Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to your loved one’s health and safety. Make sure the homecare worker you’re considering is licensed, insured, and qualified before moving forward.

Don’t be afraid to ask for references

If someone is hesitant to provide references, that should be a red flag. A good homecare worker will have no problem providing you with references from previous clients. This is a great way to get an idea of what it would be like to work with them.

Don’t be afraid to say no

If you have a bad feeling about someone, trust your gut. It’s better to say no from the start than to hire someone and end up being unhappy with the arrangement.

Don’t be shy about setting boundaries

It’s important to establish boundaries with your homecare worker from the start. Let them know what you’re comfortable with and what your expectations are. This will help to avoid any awkward situations down the road.

It can be daunting to find the right homecare worker, but with a little guidance it can be an easy process. Follow our do’s and don’ts for finding the perfect homecare worker for your loved one, and let us know if we can help you in any way. You may drop us an email at info@SilverCompanions.com or you can contact us at (678) 494-8129. We want to make sure that your family member is well taken care of, and we have years of experience matching caregivers with families. With Silver Companions by your side, you can relax knowing that your loved one is in good hands.