5 Simple Steps to Choosing an In-Home Caregiver in Burlington, VT and the Surrounding Area

Over time our loved ones begin to age and may need more assistance than we can provide them with. Deciding to bring in an in-home caregiver can be a scary and overwhelming process at the beginning. You’re wanting to make sure that you bring in the right candidate to work in your loved one’s home, someone that is trustworthy, compassionate, and “clicks” with your senior. However, this process doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming because you’re able to do things ahead of time to help make the process run more smoothly and increase your chances of finding the perfect in-home caregiver. Here are five simple steps to help you select the right in-home caregiver:

1. Consider Your Loved One’s Needs
Once you’ve decided home care is the best option for your loved one, it’s then time to consider what type of in-home care assistance is needed. Start by making a list that includes:

• Specific tasks needed (meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, dressing/grooming, toileting, transportation, recreational activities, etc.)
• Physical/emotional limitations or health considerations
• Times of day when assistance is typically required
• Any personal preferences and requests
• Caregiver qualities (personality traits, qualifications, training, etc.).

Ask your loved one and family caregivers for input when creating this list; they may be able to provide you with a better idea of your seniors needs.
2. Gather Recommendations
Ask around your community, your friend groups, or even with your senior’s medical providers for their suggestions and recommendations. One of them may have personal experience with an in-home caregiver and can shed some light on the topic for you. They may even suggest an individual caregiver or a local care agency.
3. Set Up a Consultation
If you decide that an in-home care agency is the best fit for your loved senior, it’s best to set up a consultation. For example, when you reach out to Visiting Angels you will be set up with an in-home, no-obligation, and no-cost consultation. During this consultation you will be able to  express your expectations and needs from a potential caregiver. You should also have any questions prepared; it is also helpful to include your senior and any other family caregivers during the consultation so they can ask any questions as well.                             
4. Schedule Caregiver Interviews
Scheduling your caregiver interviews is the most important part of this process; it is important to have the agency or individual have the interviews in-home with you, your senior, and any family caregivers. You should have your interview questions prepared ahead of time to make the interview move smoothly, while also paying attention to the interviewee’s responses, and your family’s responses to the answers provided. At Visiting Angels, the Select Your Caregiver® program allows you and your loved one to choose a caregiver.
5. Hire and Follow Up
After the interview, discuss choices among your family caregiver and senior, take into consideration everyone’s perspectives. When you are ready to move forward, reach out to the agency or individual to begin finalizing hiring arrangements. Continue to follow-up one you have hired and individual, making sure that your expectations are being met. Don’t forget that there is an adjustment period for the caregiver and your loved one. If you see anything that may cause you any alarm, just have an honest conversation with your caregiver, typically any issue can be resolved with just talking the issues out.

Our Visiting Angels care coordinators are available to discuss your loved one’s needs during a free in-home care consultation. If you're interested in more information about how an in-home caregiver can help your senior loved ones, call 802-862-8777.