Choosing a Caregiver for Your Elderly or Disabled Family Member

When someone you love is unable to care for themselves, you want to provide the absolute best care possible. Often, family members become caregivers for elderly or disabled loved ones who need extra care.

Unfortunately, life sometimes makes it difficult to provide around-the-clock care. This article gives some common-sense tips to help you choose a caregiver for your elderly or disabled loved one.

If You Need Extra Help

When circumstances make the hiring of outside help necessary, you want to ensure that your loved one is going to be safe and properly cared for. Caregivers provide in home care during the times that you cannot be present. Their responsibilities can range from simple driving or cleaning duties to providing medical care. The needs of the ailing individual should be considered carefully when choosing a caregiver.

A pleasant personality and an amicable relationship with the ailing person are essential ingredients and should not be overlooked. Be sure to include your loved one as much as possible in all meetings with potential caregivers.

Find an Agency

It is best to hire a caregiver that is represented by an agency, if possible. Caregiving agencies can be found in your local Yellow Pages under Home Health Care Services or similar heading.

Get References

Always ask for personal as well as professional references when hiring a caregiver. Check the references thoroughly and do not be afraid to ask for more if the initial references do not satisfy you.

Study the caregiver's work record. Any lapses or quick turnover rates should be investigated. Sometimes these can be explained by pregnancies, illness or other life events that forced the caregiver to take time off. Any unexplained lapses should raise red flags. The caregiver could be deliberately neglecting to mention certain jobs or may have something else to hide.

Background Checks

An independent background check should be done as well. Contact your local law enforcement agency and ask about the requirements in your area.

Trust Your Instincts