Elder Care Guidance 

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