Sometimes you just can’t do it all. You have to work during the day or your own health isn’t that great and you need help. Before you call your local newspaper to place an ad that says “Caregiver wanted.” there are a few things you should know about hiring a caregiver.
First, just because someone’s working part time at the local nursing home, you can’t assume that person is a law abiding citizen. The nursing homes may say they are going to check criminal records, but many of them don’t. People have unknowingly hired drug dealers, thieves and other criminals that you wouldn’t want in your house, especially when you are leaving them alone with a relative who can’t tell you what’s going on.
Next, be sure you follow up on references. A lot of times, people don’t check references and you may just find that the reference that was given doesn’t recommend the person you are considering.
Finally, always ask for permission to run a criminal background check. Have people fill out a generic employment application, which should have a notice for them to sign about background checks. You can hire a company to do the checking for you.
The reason we’re making these suggestions? We learned the hard way. Thankfully, the only thing hurt was the patient’s checkbook, but it could have been much worse. When we followed these guidelines, we were able to hire a great caregiver.
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This is a great post. I think its important to talk about hiring help when needed. I went through an agency - Jewish Family Services, which does all of the background checks and things, so I could feel safer about hiring someone. I don’t think that it costs much more to do it this way, especially since JFS is a not for profit.
Comment by Karma - November 16, 2006 5:17 pm
That’s a great point, Karma. Agencies usually screen pretty thoroughly, since their reputation is on the line.
Comment by Anonymous - November 18, 2006 7:03 pm