A professional approach works best for hiring a private caregiver, even if the applicant is someone you've known for years. Compose a job description and organize an interview. Set forth firm hiring requirements and lay down solid ground rules. Using a private (or personal) carer has certain advantages, but there are drawbacks, too. Read on to see what steps are involved in employing a private caregiver.
Plan How to Conduct a Caregiver Job Interview
Prior to advertising for caregiver applicants, know first how you're going to conduct the job interview. If you're the primary caregiver, plan to start by introducing yourself and the client (patient). Explain what kind of caregiver you're looking for, such as a sitter, companion, in-home support (IHS), personal care assistant (PCA) and so on. The type of caregiver you need should be stated in the employment ad to filter out any unqualified (or over-qualified) applicants.
Describe the client's condition. Address any sensitive and characteristic behaviors that may present a concern. It is absolutely imperative that the applicant fully understand what is going on with the patient. Some carers refuse to work for patients who consistently curse, get too physical or go into sudden rages. If the applicant is still interested in the position, then move on to the job description.
It helps tremendously to keep all notes and information stored neatly in a folder for easy reference and so that nothing is overlooked. It also keeps you – the employer – on track and moving through the interview in an orderly fashion.
Creating a Job Description for a Caregiver
Create a well-written detailed job description of what the paid caregiver is expected to do. Have an extra copy to hand out later to the person you hire. Use subheadings such as the examples shown in this section to highlight key duties. Remember, these are only examples; your list may not be this involved.
- Cleaning the Patient's Room. Describe any laundry duties and how the room is cleaned.
- Meal Preparations and Feeding. Describe special nutritional needs, allergies and any special methods for feeding.
- Therapy Exercises. Describe what exercises are done daily.
- Medications. Be very specific and keep written instructions handy.
- Dressing and Grooming. Give a general idea of what works best and what the patient likes.
- Bathing and Personal Hygiene. Demonstrate how special equipment operates and describe general routine of care.
- Toileting. Include special care (and cleaning) of medical devices.
- Mobility Equipment. Demonstrate how the equipment works, cleaning, storing and battery chargers. Be clear and honest about monitoring the patient who wanders.
- General Care and Activities of Daily Living. List duties such as shopping, recreation events, social ventures, healthcare appointments, beauty shop visits and so on. Specify whose vehicle will be used (and gas allowance) to carry out appointments and other duties away from home.
If the applicant is still willing, then move on to the caregiver hiring requirements you have listed in your folder.
Caregiver Employment Requirements
Based on what you know so far, should you trust this perfect stranger or long-time friend with someone you love? Absolutely not. Be it a friend, stranger or even a distant relative, don't compromise on safety. Your local law enforcement agency and the Department of Children and Family Services (or the equivalent in your area) should have information on where to get these:
- Employee drug test.
- Fingerprints.
- Local and national background checks.
Other requirements and points to discuss might include:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Current certification in CPR. (Proof)
- Certification in basic first aid. (Proof)
- List of references (3), list of past employers in the last five years and any special schooling or certificates.
- Details of prior caregiver experience (with infants, elderly or whatever applies).
- Driver's license, no points or limited number of accidents (if the carer will be driving the patient around to various places).
- Work holidays, weekends, some nights, flexible schedule or whatever is needed.
- Live-in position.
- Non-smoker.
- No alcohol users.
- No children, boyfriends, spouses or friends while on duty.
- Must supply own food and beverages.
- Must be physically fit (Mention excessive bending or lifting, as in patient transfers).
Benefits and Disadvantages of Hiring a Private Caregiver
Hiring a private carer means you're the boss and you get to hire the most suitable candidate. Weigh the facts – including how much extra work is involved compared to using an agency worker. Decide if the benefits of hiring and using a private caregiver outweigh the inconveniences. What are some obvious benefits of hiring a private caregiver?
- You'll have the same caregiver all the time and won't have to explain the patient's condition, preferences and idiosyncrasies over and over to different carers (as with an agency).
- You set the house rules.
- The patient becomes familiar with and is less stressed with a regular person.
What are some of the disadvantages to using a private caregiver?
- You have to create a job description, interview applicants, check references, evaluate background checks and decide who will get the job. You might also have to fire an unsuitable employee.
- If the caregiver gets sick and/or suddenly needs time off, there's no backup.
- You are responsible for paying the employee, keeping paperwork on file for at least five years, and paying taxes to the IRS.
- If the caregiver quits or doesn't work out, then you'll have to hire a replacement, and that means going through the hiring process all over again.
When the time comes to employ a caregiver, conduct the hiring process as professionally as possible. A qualified caregiver with an excellent history and great attitude is a real gem, so treat her fairly and with respect. Employing a caregiver takes time and work, but for many the effort is worth it.
Mary King - Mary King is a Suite101 Topic Editor for the Caregiver Support and Home Management sections. She has authored 5 teen-based novels.
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