7 Things You Should Do Before Hiring A Senior Caregiver
for your senior adult isn’t easy. One should play the role of detective, HR manager, and psychologist – all at the same time – when finding the right fit. Follow these 7 important tips to hire one for your loved one:
1. Ask The Right Question
The right questions will help learn the facts and discern the character of the potential caregiver. Don’t forget to ask for additional details about the person that may not appear on his/her resume during the interview. You should know about what kind of elders the professional has cared for in the past to help assess their capabilities and experience. The candidate should be able to work the hours your loved one needs. Check whether transportation is part of his/her care service and what the candidate likes and dislikes about being a caregiver.
2. Remember To Ask About The Candidate’s Credentials, Education & Certifications
Education and certifications are also important just like the personality and past experience of the candidate. A candidate with certifications including Home Health Aide (HHA), Certified Personal Care Aide (CPCA), and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) may command higher fees for their service. But they will bring a higher level of knowledge and expertise to the position. On the other hand, these people may be certified to perform certain tasks that uncertified caregivers cannot.
3. Check References
Checking two references is crucial to finding the right fit for your loved one. It’s legally permissible to inquire from former employers about prior employees. But some companies may have policies that limit what a manager or co-worker can say about a former employee. Don’t forget to ask about the reason why the employee left during the reference check. Ask what the employee’s best and worst traits are and if they are eligible for re-hire.
4. Use The Internet To Your Advantage
Search the caregiver’s name on the internet and see what turns up. If the person has a common name, don’t forget to add the job title or city to your search. Also, you should check the social media profiles of the potential candidate. Some people usually hesitate to accept friend requests from someone they don’t know.
5. Run A Background Check
More than 10% of background checks have been able to uncover the criminal history of job applicants. On the other hand, more than 44% of such checks have revealed issues with the driving record of the applicant – which may indicate problems such as recklessness, alcohol abuse, or carelessness. You should perform a background check to ensure the safety of your loved one and secure your belongings.
6. Trust Your Instincts
Are you confident about the credentials of the prospective caregiver after reviewing the references, social media profiles, and online presence? Does the potential candidate have a strong medical background & work history? A caregiver should not be the best fit for your loved one if you feel that you cannot trust the person.
7. Ask Your Loved One’s Opinion
Enlist your senior adult in the selection process. He or she can ask questions since they are the ones who need to get on with the caregiver. In fact, the opinion of your loved one matters the most when it comes to hiring the right caregiver.
Call us or contact us today for any help you need with senior care! Visit our blog for more exciting articles about senior care in Houston.
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