How to Find a Caregiver

Caring for a loved one is a demanding and time-consuming endeavor. The tasks that need to be done are often extensive and include bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medication. Caregiver duties also include managing doctor appointments, running errands, and providing social activities for the person receiving help. Caregiver responsibilities can lead to caregiver burnout and stress, especially for long-distance caregivers or those who are also working professionals. Hiring a trusted aide can relieve caregivers of some responsibilities, allowing them to catch up on sleep, run errands, or take time off from their job.

The first step in finding a caregiver is to decide what type of care your loved one needs. If your loved one requires full-time assistance, you will want to look for a live-in care giver who can work a set schedule. Live-in caregivers can be found in the classified sections of newspapers and magazines, through personal referrals, on referral websites, or in lists provided by public senior agencies. If you decide to independently find a live-in caregiver, it is important to carefully screen and interview applicants. Consider things like asking applicants how they would respond to certain situations, such as a person refusing their attempts to remove a dirty brief or go to the bathroom, and whether they have experience caring for individuals with incontinence issues.

Another option is to use a home health agency to hire a caregiver. Agencies have caregivers who are prescreened and have relevant experience. Home health agencies also have backup caregivers available if your loved one's scheduled caregiver is sick or cannot make a shift. Using an agency may be more expensive than hiring a private caregiver, but it eliminates the burden of screening and recruiting candidates.

Community bulletin boards are a low-cost way to advertise your search for a caregiving position. You can also post your requirements on online employment and caregiving forums. Caregiver recruitment events are also a great way to meet potential caregivers. These events typically have a panel of experts who can speak about the different aspects of caregiving, including the physical and emotional challenges. They can also offer tips on hiring a caregiver and help you determine the level of care your loved one needs. If you are concerned about the cost of a caregiving agency or recruitment event, check to see if your area has special funding for in-home attendant care. This funding is distributed through your local Area Agency on Aging, or through faith communities and senior service agencies. If you qualify, these programs can help you pay for caregiving services through a stipend or voucher. In addition, many states have Medicaid in-home supportive services that provide assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, eating, and medication management. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or state health department to learn more.find a caregiver