How To Find A Qualified, Trustworthy, Senior Caregiver In Your Neighborhood

By Author: Sue Oja
Total Articles: 4762
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The older you get, the harder it becomes to move around and the slower you heal. You start forgetting the names of people you've known, or things as simple as why you were going into the kitchen. Muscles deteriorate and, in general, your body starts to wear down. It's a natural part of the aging process.

Sometimes, however, elderly issues go beyond that. Arthritis, a common condition in the elderly, can become debilitating. Normal memory loss can be signs of the onset of Alzheimer's. Senility, as well, can be an issue in the elderly.

When someone you love starts exhibiting signs of disability, whether mental or physical, it's time to get help. Many don't want to leave their homes - just as many don't want to live in a nursing home. However, when they're no longer able to take care of themselves, someone needs to be there to help them. If you're already overwhelmed with a hectic schedule, yet want your loved ones to stay where they're happy, look toward finding a senior caregiver.

Figuring Out Your Needs

When thinking about a senior caregiver, it's best to know what your loved one will need ...
... help with - and how often - first. If they're staying in their home or moving to yours, will they need constant guided supervision or someone to check in on them and spend a little time? Will someone need to cook their meals, help them around the house or drive them to the store? Will you need a live-in caregiver?

Think about your loved one's condition and how much help they may need. While making sure you have the important bases covered, also try not to be overprotective when deciding how often you'll need a caregiver.

Make a detailed list of what the caregiver will need to do and when. If you only need them for three days, four hours a day, specify the days and hours. List the duties they'll need to perform, as well as if your loved one needs specialized care, such as for severe arthritis or Parkinson's Disease.

Lastly, lay out the qualities you would need in a caregiver to get along will with your loved one. Would they need a sense of humor? Does your loved one have a list of pet peeves? These are the kind of things a caregiver should know before they're hired, and they're important, so don't leave them out!

Finding Caregivers in Your Neighborhood

Although you can look online or in the phone book, one of the best ways to find caregivers in your neighborhood is to ask around. Ask for referrals from people in the medical community you know and trust. Tell the people around you that you're trying to find a good caregiver. Place an advertisement in the local newspaper. You may be surprised how many referrals you'll get, and the people you know may give you the best recommendations.

Research

Once you have a list of caregivers to look over, screen them by phone and set up interviews. While on the phone, ask about their employment record, training and the ability to do the things you need done. Ask for references, and let them know you'll be doing a background check. In addition, make sure you tell them to come to the interview with a list of references, resume, Social Security card and driver's license.

Background Checks

It's imperative to know whom you're letting into your or your loved one's home. You'll need to have written consent from the potential caregiver. While a background check can range to as much as $300 per hour at law offices and private investigators, you can also use online agencies, which are somewhat cheaper. Make sure you have a list of the potential caregiver's former addresses and any previous names. At the very least, check for criminal and DMV records, if not credit reports.

At the interviews, make sure you go over the details of the job again with them in person. Ask them how they might deal with certain situations that may arise, how long they've worked as a caregiver and their history. What did/didn't they like about previous employers?

Once you've found the caregiver you'd like to hire, don't make that the end of your communication with them. Check in regularly and ask how their doing. See how your loved one responds to their presence. Remember, a caregiver - whether occasional or live-in - can't replace a loving family member. However, they can become like family, if you choose the right one.
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