The complete guide to Home Care

Ask yourself: Does your older loved one need 24/7 care or just a few hours a day? Could they do with companionship, help with physical challenges or both? Or perhaps you’re in need of respite care. You’ll need this information to create a detailed job description.

Learn about the cost of home care. Consider the caregiver’s experience, how often you’ll need them to visit your older loved one, as well as their assigned duties.

When evaluating candidates, look for a professional who fits the job description and will be a good match for your older loved one. Next, make sure to contact the caregiver’s references and conduct a background check, which can help divulge any criminal history.

Once you’ve chosen a candidate, create a contract that covers working hours, duties, payment, paid leave and benefits. Caregivers are almost always considered employees, so you may need to consider your tax and administrative obligations.

As your caregiver dives into work, provide a plan of care to offer structure and specifics on their duties. Familiarize yourself with workable solutions to common hurdles, as well as ways to change course if the caregiver isn’t the best match for your older loved one.