Considering home health care for a loved one? Here’s a few ways to narrow your focus. First consider your patients needs.  Do they need just a housekeeper or a personal care aide to assist with daily errands, cooking and Doctor appointments. If the patient is homebound you might want to consider a full-time live in companion. If the patient has daily medical concerns, consult with their Doctors about hiring a nurse’s aide or certified nurse. 

Family caregiver resources are available from a variety of places. To begin looking for a caregiver start with your family and friends and see who they refer.  Another possibility is contacting local church groups and hospital community services for referrals. Another resource might be government assistance programs.

Once you get to the interview process ask for a list of references, drug & background checks and a verification of caregiver training. Reputable agencies should have this information for all of their employees. Another idea is to contact caregiver training programs or agencies and speak to their human resources department.  Often the training programs incorporate job-search assistance for their graduates.

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