PROFESSIONAL IN-HOME CARE
Are there questions I should ask when hiring a private duty / independent caregiver?
Question to ask Do they present themselves professionally? How long have they been a caregiver? Why did they become a caregiver? What formal training have they had as a caregiver? Do they know basic first aid? CPR? Heimlich? How many references can they provide? What do they charge? What days and hours are they available? How will they document their hours?
Are they insured in the event that they or the client are injured?
How will they notify you if they are running late or have to call out?
Are they willing to run errands or offer transportation? Will they use their own car or your car for this? Do they have a valid driver’ s license? Do they have car insurance?
How will you pay them? What is needed to document and track their income for tax purposes?
Comments
What other factors can I consider to find and advocate for the right in-home care?
• Likes and dislikes( e. g., food, TV shows to watch, activities to do) of the person with PSP / CBD / MSA
• When medication reminders are needed
• Use of assistive devices like glasses, hearing aids, canes, walkers, grab bars, etc.
• Possible behavioral or cognitive challenges and how best to respond to them
• Mobility challenges( e. g., getting in or out of a chair, use of a gait belt for walking)
• Special diets or nutritional needs
• Exercises the caregiver can prompt or even do them with the care recipient
• Your household rules concerning:
• Smoking
• Caregiver’ s use of TV, telephone, small appliances, etc.
• Can the caregiver eat your food or should they bring their own?
• If the shift is overnight, will the caregiver be sleeping while on duty or awake? Where will they sleep?
• COVID-19- Consider comfort and policies around vaccination, mask-wearing, washing hands, testing and calling out for sickness