Tip 1: Assess Your Loved One’s Needs

Before you begin searching for a caregiver, it’s important to thoroughly understand what kind of support your loved one requires. This assessment will guide all your subsequent decisions about the type of caregiver, frequency of care, and specific qualifications needed.

 

Consider these key areas when assessing needs:

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Medical Needs
• Household Management Tasks
• Safety Concerns
• Transportation and Mobility
• Companionship Needs

 

Tip 2: Determine the Type of Caregiver and Frequency Needed

Based on your assessment of needs, the next step is determining what kind of caregiver will be most appropriate and how often they’ll need to provide care.

 

There are three main categories of paid caregivers, each with different training levels and capabilities:

• Companion Care
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Skilled Nursing

 

After determining the type of caregiver needed, consider how often you’ll require their services:

• Daily care (part-time or full-time)
• Several days per week
• Specific times of day (mornings, evenings, overnight)
• 24/7 care.

You can mix different types of caregivers based on specific needs:

 

Tip 3: Understand Your Financial Resources

Before actively seeking paid caregiving support, it’s important to get a clear picture of what you can afford and what financial resources are available to you.

 

Review Your Financial Resources

• Savings and investment accounts
• Long-term care insurance policies
• Regular income sources
• Family financial contributions.

 

Explore Available Benefits

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Veterans Benefits

 

Consider Family Contributions

 

Tip 4: Decide Between Agency or Private Hire

One of the most significant decisions you’ll make is whether to hire a caregiver through an agency or directly as a private caregiver. Each approach has distinct advantages and challenges.

 

When you work with a caregiving agency:

• They Handle Administrative Tasks
• They Provide Backup Coverage
• They Offer Training and Supervision
• They Assume Liability

 

Private Hire Benefits

• It’s Usually Less Expensive
• You Have Complete Control
• There’s Often More Flexibility
• You May Find Through Word-of-Mouth

 

Private Hire Challenges

• You’re the Employer
• No Backup Coverage
• Limited Screening Resources

 

Tip 5: Evaluate potential caregivers thoroughly

Once you’ve determined the type of caregiver you need and whether you’ll hire through an agency or privately, it’s time to interview potential caregivers. This step is extremely important for finding someone who will be a good fit for your loved one.

 

Key Questions for Interviews

• Scheduling and Availability
• Qualifications and Experience
• Approach to Care
• Communication Style

Background Checks and References

Set Clear Expectations

Especially for private hires, establish from the beginning that the arrangement is on a trial basis.

Include Your Loved One When Appropriate

 

Next Steps: Care Plans and Integration

• Develop a written plan 
• Develop an Integration Strategy