How you go about hiring home care providers will partially depend on what kind of help you are looking for. Hiring someone to handle shopping or yard maintenance, for example, is different from hiring someone to provide hands-on or live-in personal care. However, there are some basic tips to keep in mind. Remember that the more time and homework you spend in the initial hiring process, the better the chances of success.

• Conduct an in-depth interview with each candidate. Screening applicants on the phone should always be followed with an in-person interview.
• Be specific about all of the tasks, skills, and schedules involved and be sure that the person you are considering is comfortable with them all.
• Discuss compensation and payment schedules. Do not pay for services in advance.
• Request several work and personal references, and check them carefully. Verify the information provided, and ask all references about reliability, trustworthiness, punctuality, and the care provider’s ability to handle stress.
• Perform background checks. If you’re working through an agency, these are often provided, but you’ll want to check exactly what is covered. Background checks can be done inexpensively through online agencies and alert you to potentially serious problems.
• If you are working with an agency, make sure you understand what is covered. Are there additional fees that apply to specific services or add-ons? If needed, what are the procedures for termination or requesting another provider?
• Don’t be afraid to move on if it’s not the right fit.It’s important that you feel comfortable with a home care provider who’s delivering services in the privacy of your own home. If you don’t, try talking to the provider to see if any miscommunication can be resolved. If not, don’t be afraid to look for another.