Questions to ask:

  • What type of care can they provide?

  • What type of experience do they have?

  • What previous clients can you call that they have cared for?

  • What hours are they available?

  • Can they be available for emergencies?

  • How much do they charge an hour?

  • Do they charge more for night care?

  • Do they charge less if it is 24 hour care?

  • Have they ever been arrested?  If yes for what?

  • Have they ever been fired from a job?

  • Will they agree to a background check and a DMV check?

  • Are they capable of driving the older adult to appointments?

  • What hobbies and interests do they have?

  • Do they speak a second language?

  • Do they cook?  What kind of food?

  • Do they do house cleaning?

  • Do they like older adults?

  • Do they have any experience or knowledge regarding the aging
    process?

  • What would they do if the older adult fell?

  • What would they do if the older adult choked on food?

  • What would they do if the older adult stopped breathing?

  • What would they do if the older adult became difficult to manage?


   Advantages of Hiring Someone on Your Own

  • Cost less
  • More flexibility with hours


   Disadvantages of Hiring Someone on Your Own

  • Time consuming to interview each person
  • Risks for no back up coverage if caregiver is sick
  • Tax forms need to be completed for employment


How to Hire a Caregiver