Hiring a caregiver for your parents? Ask these 7 things before making a decision

As your parents age, their needs also grow. And if to meet them, you’re looking to hire a caregiver, here are 7 questions you must ask before making a decision.
Hiring a caregiver for ageing parents
Meticulous screening is a must to ensure that you find the right caregiver for your ageing parents. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 22 Nov 2019, 17:35 pm IST
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When we were kids, we wanted to grow up ASAP–never once realising that adulting isn’t a cakewalk. We wanted to be as big as our parents and now that are, another reality awaits us. That our folks are growing old.

We want to go full throttle when it comes to taking care of them. But juggling dreadful deadlines and their many appointments and needs can be a roadblock in this situation.

But you can’t quit your job or leave your parents. The solution? Hiring a caregiver. If you haven’t ventured into that territory before–don’t worry. We are here to help.

Whether you’re going through an agency, your doctor, or through friends and family–here are a few things to keep in mind while hiring a caregiver for your parents:

1. Do you know how to drive and do you have a valid license?
What if there is an emergency and your parents need to be driven to the doctor or hospital? When crisis strikes, you can’t rely on Uber and Ola. So hiring a caregiver who can drive makes absolute sense.

2. How comfortable are you in sharing your medical history?
One of the biggest casualties of old age is the immunity system. Naturally, you don’t want to hire anyone who might be sick and can pass on germs to your fam. So don’t hesitate to ask this question. If the candidate has no records to share, you can get a general medical check-up done for them or ask the agency to take ownership.

3. How good are you with technology like smartphones and such?
If your parents are technologically handicapped, then hiring someone who is good with technology can help make your life–and that of your parents–easier.

4. Have you ever cared for someone who is bed-ridden/wheelchair bound/has memory problems?
Maybe your parents require advanced care, maybe they need regular injections, or perhaps their blood pressure needs to be monitored thrice a day.

It is essential to understand whether the person you’re hiring can cope with your parents’ situation and offer optimal care.

5. Do you smoke or drink?
You know why you should ask this one right? This person is going to spend a major chunk of the day, if not the whole day, at your home with your parents. Hence, it is essential to know what their habits are and whether or not it sits well your folks.

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6. How much training do you have when it comes to first aid?
Knowing how to care for a wound, what medicines to administer in different situations, and how to respond to an emergency are crucial things to look for in a caregiver.

7. How many leave days will you need?
It’s better to set the expectation right in the beginning–not just theirs, but yours as well. This will also ensure that if they’re planning a long vacation, you’ll have ample time to find a substitute.

When you start this process, remember to make your parents meet their potential caregivers too. Take their opinion to understand their comfort level with the person you’re hiring and make them feel like decision-makers.

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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