How to Find a Caregiver for Elderly Loved Ones

When the time comes for your elderly loved one to hire home care, you will likely have two options: use a service or agency that specializes in hiring caregivers or directly hire an independent provider. Each has pros and cons.

A service or agency can help you save time by doing much of the screening and interviewing for you. However, you may find that they are more expensive than a private caregiver hired on your own. If your older adult is eligible for Medicaid in-home supportive services (IHSS), your local Area Agency on Aging or other community groups offer a caregiver registry that can refer pre-screened attendants who will cost less than an agency caregiver.

In either case, you should write up a job description detailing the types of duties that your elderly loved one will require. This should include a breakdown of hourly tasks and the frequency of those tasks. The job description should also list your elderly loved one’s medical needs, such as a doctor-prescribed exercise regimen or the need for certain types of specialized home care equipment.

Once you have a shortlist of candidates, schedule interviews in person. If your elderly loved one can attend, let them participate in the interview process, as well. During the interview, it is important to ask the candidate about their background and work experience. Ask about their strengths and weaknesses, as well as how they would handle specific situations that may arise in your loved one’s home. how to find a caregiver for elderly