Tips for Finding Good In-Home Caregivers

When we brought Gladys home after her stroke, we employed the services of an in-home caregiver.  It was a good option at the time because Gladys had just left the hospital and she still had to undergo a lot of physical therapy.  If an in-home caregiver is one of the options you are considering, this article will provide some tips for finding a good in-home caregiver.

This information is from Senior Sense, a quarterly publication provided by the University of Georgia Family and Consumer Sciences.

Learn about in-home care services

Determine exactly what kind of care or assistance your senior needs.  In-home care generally is categorized into “skilled care” (medical care by nurses and therapists) and “in-home support services” (non-medical care including house-cleaning, dressing, and companionship).  Look into who does what and how much various services cost.  Social workers, physicians, the local area agency on aging, friends and relatives may refer you to reputable sources of in-home help.

Develop a profile of care needs

Assessing care needs can help you define your senior’s care needs and the kinds of help you need with caregiving.  It will also help you determine in-home caregivers duties and skills needed, and to evaluate the job performance of in-home workers.  The local area agency on aging may offer in-home assessments or direct you to an agency that does that.

Write a basic job description

Use the profile of your senior’s needs and a list of your needs as a caregiver.  Clearly state your expectations and the worker’s duties and responsibilities.

Find out about legal, financial, and tax issues

In-home caregiving can be expensive.  Review your insurance coverage, know your tax responsibilities if you hire someone on your own, and clearly understand what’s involved in working with an independent contractor.

Decide whether to hire on your own or through an agency

Home care agencies usually charge more than privately hired workers because the agency has a wide range of responsibilities for ensuring quality caregiving.  Hiring someone privately may reduce your costs considerably, but it will take more time and effort to screen applicants, pay taxes and supervise the caregiver.  You will also need a back-up plan for privately hired workers to cover vacations and other absences.

Screen and interview applicants

A trusting and comfortable relationship between you, the senior, and the in-home worker can determine the success of in-home services.  Take time to select carefully.  Interview all qualified applicants in person even if you are hiring a caregiver from an agency.  Write your interview questions in advance.  Be prepared to discuss all aspects off the in-home care you need.

Check references and backgrounds

Try to get three or more references, including at least one professional reference.  Ask the references how they know the prospective caregiver and for how long.  If you are not using an agency, conduct a criminal background check.

Sign an agreement

Complete an agreement clarifying conditions and terms of employment and setting guidelines for the caregiver to follow at all times.  Both parties should have a signed copy of the agreement.  Consider contacting an attorney to write your agreement.  An agreement can be revised or updated as needed.  Finding the right person to be an in-home caregiver for your senior can be time-consuming and frustrating.

Misunderstandings can develop for various reasons, despite your best efforts.  Caregivers are employees, but they are almost family members too, making this relationship very sensitive.  Some people compare the process to finding a good in-home caregiver for a child.  In both situations, you’re putting your trust in someone to provide quality care for a vulnerable family member.  Careful preparation, communication and ongoing monitoring of the caregiving process can help minimize problems.

If this article was helpful or if you have used the services of an in-home caregiver, please share in the comments section.

Related Reading

Caregiver’s Guide to Senior Housing and Elder Care Options

Subscribe to the comments for this post