8 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Professional Caregiver
Choosing an in-home caregiver for your loved one can be a challenge. At Visiting Angels of Chelsea, we’ve created a helpful checklist to bring with you when interviewing a potential caregiver.
1. Why did you choose to become a caregiver?
You want to find someone who is dedicated to care. If a caregiver answers with something along the lines of “Because I want to serve others in my community” or “I enjoy showing compassion to others”, you’ve likely found a driven and dedicated candidate!
2. Do you know how to assist my loved one with the symptoms of their chronic health conditions?
If your loved one has a chronic health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, you’ll want to make sure their caregiver is well-educated on the subject.
3. Are you more introverted or extroverted? Are you a good conversationalist?
If your loved one enjoys conversation, it’s a good idea to have a caregiver around who will meaningfully engage with them, listen to their stories, and participate in chats about deep topics.
4. What do you do in your free time?
Though it’s not a make-or-break factor, it can be helpful to find a caregiver who shares a hobby or interest with your senior loved one.
For instance, if your senior loved one loves classical music, a caregiver who also enjoys classical music could join them in engaging conversations about the genre and bring over CDs from their favorite composers.
5. What goes into your senior care plans, and do you frequently update them?
Personalization is critical for good senior care.
For instance, at Visiting Angels of Chelsea, we begin with a comprehensive review of your senior loved one’s needs and preferences and develop a tailor-made care plan. We regularly monitor how well the care plan is functioning and alter it as your senior loved one’s circumstances change.
6. Will you keep our family constantly informed regarding our loved one’s well-being?
Not all families are able to check in on their senior loved ones every day–at least not in person. Make sure that the caregiver you select will provide you with regular updates on your loved one’s condition and contact you immediately if there are any drastic changes or emergencies.
7. How do you deal with emergencies and high-stress situations?
This can be a great way to gauge a potential caregiver’s ability to handle crisis situations. Even minor crises–such as a rough emotional day for your senior loved one–can become much larger if a caregiver does not have the knowledge and skillset to handle them properly.
8. What kinds of dishes are you able to cook?
If your loved one has specific dietary restrictions or strong preferences, it's helpful to have an in-home caregiver who knows how to prepare dishes that will satisfy them.
Plus, bonding over shared recipes can be a great way for your loved one and their caregiver to build trust and rapport.
Why Choose Visiting Angels?
At Visiting Angels at Chelsea, our staff is comprised of top-notch, background-checked caregivers who are ready to provide your loved one with outstanding care.
We understand the importance of the senior-caregiver bond, and we work hard to match seniors with caregivers who fit their preferences and needs. You can even switch caregivers at any time if your loved one isn’t completely happy with the fit.
With our flexible and personalized services, you can rest easy knowing that your loved one will receive compassionate and informed care from a professional who genuinely cares about their wellbeing.
Get Started
If you would like to learn more about how our team at Visiting Angels of Chelsea can assist your senior loved one, contact us today at 617-409-9039 or via our online contact form to schedule a free in-home care evaluation!