If you are looking to hire specialized care for your loved ones, it will partially depend on the sort of help you require, and partly on your location. For instance, someone who might be the perfect fit for providing travel or shopping assistance may not be the best choice for in-home or live-in care.
However, there are some basic tips that you can follow to ensure that the time you spend interviewing the applicants, is time well spent.
- Interview Many Candidates, In Person – If you do not want to call the candidate to your residence, you can set up the initial round at a park or corner-cafe. Even if you opt for a reputable agency, it is important to meet the candidate to ensure that he/she is the right fit.
- Maintain Transparency during Interview – Feel free to ask any questions that might arise in your mind. Do not make false assumptions. Be transparent and discuss your requirements with the person, to evaluate their experience and competence. If you are hiring from an agency or independent provider, make a contract outlining all the tasks and payment procedures.
- Understand the Terms of Contract if You Are Working with an Agency – Again, refrain from making false assumptions. Make sure you read the Terms and Conditions to understand the scope of the contract. Remember to inquire about any hidden charges or specific service add-ons that may be billed.
- Check with Past Clients:Get in touch with multiple clients from the candidate’s portfolio. Listen carefully to the person’s tone and information. Are they enthusiastic about the candidate, or are their answers vague and short? Also, look for unexplained gaps in their references. It is all too easy to fall for a fake reference setup. So, if something seems too good to be true, you should dig in a bit further.
- Don’t Hesitate to Move On if a Candidate Doesn’t Fit the Bill: It is important for you to feel comfortable with the home care service provider, because the safety and privacy of your loved ones depends on them. Do not hesitate to interview more candidates if the first few fail to meet your expectations.
If you keep these tips in mind while interviewing the next home care assistant, you are bound to make a well-informed decision.
By Ron Burg: alreadyhomecare.com
PLEASE NOTE: This Guest Post is not an endorsement. It is intended for raising awareness only.
