6 Tips for Finding a Good Caregiver

As the business owner of a caregiver service I’ve experienced some of the do’s and don’ts when matching a caregiver to a client. Here is my top list of essential things to remember when playing matchmaker.

1. The client is always first, and the family is second.

This may sound like common sense, but I can assure you that many caregiver services miss the mark on this simple step. Yes, the family will have valid input about what the client need, however, the caregiver service isn’t for the family. It is for the client. The goal is to understand the client’s needs and to select a caregiver who can fulfill the requirements.

2. Hire someone who is right and not just convenient.

This is important for any type of hire. People who are convenient are great for emergencies, but they will need to be replaced. Always consider this when you are hiring a temporary caregiver. Short-term caregivers will help you when you’re in a bind; however, a long-term caregiver will offer stability and helps with building rapport between the client and the company.

3. Know your potential hire as much as you know your client.

The person you hire will represent your company and will either make or break the majority of your business. Make time to talk with them and understand who they are, their schedule, and why they want to work as a caregiver. Also, look for clues in the conversation that will tell you more about their personality.

4. Check references and make sure you do a background check.

It’s nice when you meet someone who is available, experienced, and have a great personality, plus transportation; however, there is a reason why this terrific person is available. Make sure you do your due diligence to confirm your gut feeling that they’re the one.

5. Is your potential hire within reasonable driving distance?

Sometimes driving distance is a big turn off, especially in the city. Keep the potential hire’s zip code in mind when you’re getting ready to interview them for a position. It may not seem like a big issue, but when you live in a congested city like Houston, it makes a difference.

6. Do the job yourself for at least a week.

This is one of my pet peeves with managing my caregiver service. I will not pass along a job until I do the work myself to verify the client is a good fit. Because sometimes you can hire the right person, but the client can be the wrong choice. When you do the work yourself you know exactly what the client’s wants, needs, likes, and dislikes are including their schedule. You also get to interact with the family to understand their behavior and agenda. Working for the client first makes you better at understanding the client’s circumstances, their environment, and what your workers can expect.

This story was originally published at https://themighty.com/2018/02/finding-the-right-caregiver-for-someone-with-a-disability/