Finding caregivers can be a daunting task. You have to find the right one who meets your needs and fits your home. You also have to decide whether to go with an agency, registry or private hire.
Thankfully, there are ways to make the process easier. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Know Your Needs
The right caregiver can make a big difference in your loved one’s quality of life. They can help your elderly relative get out more, participate in activities they enjoy and brighten their day on a daily basis. However, there are also a number of things to consider before you begin the search for a caregiver.
Whether you plan to hire a caregiver through an agency or through a registry, it’s important that you know your needs. Depending on your situation, you might need a home health aide who’s certified in CPR or a person who is familiar with dementia and Alzheimer’s. You might also need a person who speaks a particular language or is comfortable around certain types of visitors. Having a clear picture of your caregiving needs can speed up your search.
Ask for Recommendations
Whether you’re looking for a home health aide or a personal care assistant, getting recommendations from trusted friends and family is one of the best ways to find someone. Ask around at church groups, community activities or social clubs and get a feel for who’s available in your area.
Aside from word of mouth, you can also search online for caregiver registries or job boards. These services act as middlemen between families and caregivers, though you assume ultimate responsibility for hiring and firing your independent contractor.
In addition to a recommendation, you should make sure that the caregiver has the required credentials, licensure and experience. You can also have a background check conducted, either by yourself or through a company that specializes in these checks.
Get a Job Description
For home health care agencies and loved ones seeking quality caregivers, traditional advertising can be a simple and effective recruitment tool. A strong job ad that includes a clear description of the role and desired qualifications, as well as the pay rate and benefits, can attract the attention of qualified candidates.
During interviews, your potential hire will likely be asked questions about their previous experience in a professional caregiving setting. You will also want to ensure that they have the right skills and traits to work with your loved one, such as a strong empathy and compassion for others.
Caregivers are often part of a larger healthcare team and may be required to work closely with nurses and other care providers during their shifts. Interviewers will want to ensure that your candidate works well as a team member and can follow direction from other healthcare professionals.
Prepare for Interviews
If you’re hiring a private caregiver, it may take weeks or months to find the right one. This process involves sifting through resumes, scheduling interviews and checking references. It’s also important to discuss visitor policies and a schedule for payments.
When you’re interviewing potential caregivers, it’s important to ask about their experience and education. If they’re a nurse, make sure their license and certification are up to date. It’s also important to determine what type of care your loved one needs. For example, someone with dementia will require different levels of care than an elderly individual who requires companionship and light house cleaning.
Some home health agencies employ caregivers while others use registries or staffing services to help clients hire independent contractors. Some people also hire their own caregivers directly using online tools and apps.
Conduct a Background Check
A background check is an important step for those who are hiring privately. It can be done by an attorney or a private investigator who has access to specialized databases. Oftentimes, the cost of this is covered by long term care insurance or state and federal programs.
It is important to inform the caregiver you are considering that a background check will be conducted and to get their written permission prior to running the report. It is also important to discuss any concerns or issues the family may have with the candidate prior to hiring.
Some of the advantages of hiring a private caregiver are that they usually have a wide variety of experience, and can offer references from other clients in similar situations to yours. Agencies will also be able to quickly arrange backup care in the event that a caregiver becomes sick or leaves for another job.how to find a caregiver
