15 Questions to Ask an In-Home Respite Caregiver for Elderly

Those who take on the role of a family caregiver for an elderly parent, spouse, or loved one, are truly heroes within the senior care community. As leaders in private home care and assisted senior living, we understand the challenges that come with caring for an aging loved one and strive to ease the stress that a family caregiver may face by offering professional respite care services.

Respite Care to Assist Family Caregivers

When faced with the challenge of caring for a senior or memory care patient, it is important to provide space and time for yourself, as well as to seek the support you may need. Spring Hills in-home respite services are designed to alleviate some of the challenges that a home caregiver may encounter. However, we also know the stress of finding an individual that both you and your loved one can feel comfortable with. That’s where a thorough interview process comes in, allowing you to truly get to know a potential caregiver.

Interview Questions for Private Home Caregivers

Aside from the fundamental questions to ask a caregiver for the elderly, such as contact information, references, and permission to conduct a background check, these questions will help you better understand their qualifications and expertise:

1. Do you have specific experience caring for patients with (the condition your loved one has)?
2. What medical conditions do you have experience caring for?
3. What caregiver training have you undergone?
4. What do you find to be the most rewarding about your job?
5. What do you feel to be the most difficult component of caregiving?
6. Are you able to adjust your schedule at a short notice?
7. How do you keep daily records of your time spent providing care?
8. What is the best way to reach you (phone call, text, or email?) and what are good times to contact you?
9. Are you willing to work on weekends, holidays, and at night?
10. What would you do in an emergency situation?
11. Do you have first-aid and CPR training?
12. Are you willing to prepare healthy meals?
13. Have you worked as a live-in caregiver?
14. Do you have a driver’s license as well as insurance and a reliable vehicle?
15. Is there anything in the job description that you are uncomfortable with?

Spring Hills is proud to provide respite in-home private care services, which can include our compassionate care and support as well as our unique programs and therapies. Contact us to find out more.