5 Simple Steps to Choosing an In-Home Caregiver

1. Consider Your Loved One’s Needs

You’ve decided home care is the best option for your loved one, so it’s time to consider what type of 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.)

Seek input from your loved one when creating this list. They may be able to provide valuable information that will increase your chances of finding the right caregiver. It may also be a good idea to include other family caregivers in the process.

2. Gather Recommendations

Ask for in-home care recommendations from family, friends, community organizations, and medical providers. Someone you know may have personal experience with an in-home caregiver and could provide a helpful referral and some advice about the caregiver selection process.

3. Set Up a Consultation

If you think an in-home care agency might be best, schedule a consultation. Visiting Angels, for example, offers no-cost, no-obligation in-home consultations designed to assess your loved one’s needs, provide expert guidance, and answer your questions about costs, available services, and the caregiver selection process. It may be helpful to prepare a list of home care questions in advance and arrange for your loved one and other family caregivers to participate.

4. Schedule Caregiver Interviews

Caregiver interviews are the most crucial part of the process. Make arrangements with the agency or individual for an in-home interview with you, your senior, and other family caregivers. Don’t forget to prepare a list of questions for the caregiver in advance.

Pay attention to the caregiver’s personality and answers to your questions as well as how your loved one reacts to the caregiver. At Visiting Angels, the Select Your Caregiver® program allows you and your loved one to choose a caregiver.

5. Hire and Follow Up

Discuss your choice with your loved one and other family caregivers to get their perspectives. When you’re ready, reach out to the individual or agency to make final hiring arrangements. Make sure to conduct ongoing follow-ups to ensure everything is going according to your expectations.