If your parent or another older adult in your life has reached a point where they need some level of care, then you have various options to choose from depending on their needs and preferences. If they don’t want to move into a senior living community, then another option is to hire an in-home carer.

If you’re in this position, then here are some tips to help you hire an in-home carer for your senior parent.

Understand their needs first

It’s important to know what your loved one needs first. This will help you find someone suitable and will also help potential candidates know if the job is suitable for them. You may have a good idea of this already, especially if you’ve been providing some level of care for them. You could sit down together and write out a list of their needs and requirements. Then, if you need to write a job description or need information when talking to potential carers, then you have the information you need readily available.

Finding potential candidates

There are two main routes you can take when looking for potential care candidates – looking for independent carers and going through a home-care agency. Going through an agency can be a quicker and more convenient process, although you may end up paying more and you may not be provided with a consistent carer. Whereas with an independent carer, you can choose the individual who clicks well with your loved one.

Meet potential caregivers first

Whoever you choose, it’s a good idea to meet them in person before hiring them, and your parent should meet them too. You may even want to make a shortlist of potential candidates and meet/interview them all to choose the right fit. Depending on the process, you may even be able to arrange an initial trial period, allowing you a grace period to decide whether they are the right fit.

Check their references

You should also check the references and past experiences of your chosen candidate to ensure that they are trustworthy, reliable, and good at what they do. This may be easier through an agency as agency workers must meet certain standards and background checks before being hired.

If their needs advance, then assisted living is a great option for catering to their needs. Contact Brookstone of Clemmons to find out more about our assisted living community and care services in Clemmons, NC.