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 use 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.

Check average rates in your area with our cost of care calculator. Then, consider the caregiver’s experience, how often you’ll need them to visit your older loved one, as well as the 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 call the caregiver’s references and run a background check, which can help divulge any criminal history.

Once you’ve chosen a candidate, create a contract that covers schedule, duties, payment, paid time off and benefits. Caregivers are almost always considered household employees, so you will be responsible for payroll and proper tax withholding.

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 pivot if the caregiver isn’t the best match for your older loved one.