If you decide to hire on your own: Steps for hiring a caregiver: Tips (cont.)
• Have you ever cared for someone with (conditions relatable to your loved one’s care: memory problems, elderly, wheelchair bound, etc.) before? If so, please elaborate. • Are you willing to sign a contract stating you will not accept money or gifts from my (parent/ grandparent/spouse, etc) without clearing it with me? • Are you willing to sign that you will not have guests come into our home unless I have given prior approval? • Will you be comfortable driving my mother’s car if need be, or using your own car to run errands if we request it? • What are your expectations for vacation time and are you willing to help find coverage for the days that you need to take off?
Create scenarios: Ask the prospective caregiver how they would handle various care issues that might arise and are similar to your situation. • How would you handle it if my mother wakes up grumpy and doesn’t want to get dressed or eat her breakfast—but she has a doctor’s appointment later that morning? • If my father is running a fever and is acting lethargic and you think there’s blood in her urine, what would you do? If I’m out of town and can’t be reached, what would you do then? • My aunt falls, seems confused, doesn’t recognize you and won’t let you help her. She’s combative, what do you do? Once you have hired someone and have all of the documentation and paperwork squared away, it helps to have a plan for the first week to ensure a smooth transition.
The first week of care: Off to a good start • Be available. If you’re a long distance caregiver, you’ll have to make plans to be there the first few days. Plan one day for them to observe you and take notes (at least for a couple of hours) and then another day where you’re the observer, taking notes, answering questions and making suggestions. • Create a notebook and include a typical schedule, important numbers, contacts, etc. • Don’t expect your ways to be followed to the letter, but pick one or two very important items that you do want done “your way,” and follow through until you get the results you want. Be clear, be consistent. • Allow the home care aide to find new ways to tackle certain problems—and acknowledge their input. • Don’t be surprised if your loved one rebels and doesn’t like this person right away—give it time. • Don’t be surprised if it turns out they like the new care taker better than you do! • Resist the urge to move too fast emotionally and make your new employee an extended family member—trust should be natural and takes time. • Stop by at odd times. Not practical? Check on them often by phone, email, or visits. • Ask what the most challenging part of the week was—and brainstorm together for solutions.
HOME CARE
• Are you able to work the hours needed? When are you available to start working? 30-day trial period, would you be willing to commit to a (fill in a time frame/6 months, a year is common) long-term?
• Expect this to take a bit of time—try to not to nitpick—and allow the companion to give care and attention in their own unique style.
care.com
Copyright © 2011 Care.com, Inc. All rights reserved
16