When someone has cancer, a caregiving partner plays an important role during treatment and beyond. For some, this is a spouse or adult child; for others, it may be a close friend. Caregivers help with day-to-day tasks and activities, provide emotional support, and assist with symptom management. A caregiver can also be a respite for family members or other caregivers who need time to themselves. Finding a caregiver that is the right match for everyone involved is important to a person’s wellbeing.
There are many ways to find a caregiver near me, including using an agency, a registry or staffing service, or directly hiring an independent contractor. Agencies often have a pool of caregivers to choose from and can do much of the initial screening and paperwork for you, which is especially helpful for new caregivers who need help getting started. Agencies can be costly, however, and they may not offer the flexibility you need when it comes to scheduling and pay.
Other ways to find a caregiver include asking friends and neighbors for recommendations, searching the classifieds in local newspapers, and looking at online job listings. If you are interested in a particular candidate, be sure to talk to them first and ask for their resume. Check to see if they have the qualifications you’re looking for, such as prior home health aide or nursing experience, education, and references. Pay special attention to the resume for grammatical errors and inconsistencies, as these can be red flags.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, schedule an interview with the applicant. It’s usually best to have the caregiver attend, as this will make them feel more comfortable and can help you determine if they are a good fit. Discuss your needs and expectations for the caregiver, including a detailed job description and what they will be responsible for. It’s also a good idea to talk about things like meal preparation, housekeeping and transportation.
You should also consider what your expectations are for the caregiver in terms of their appearance and personality. Some people prefer male or female attendants, and some people are more open to having an attendant who has a different language or cultural background than themselves.
Finally, if you are planning to hire an independent caregiver, it’s a good idea to meet with your insurance company to determine what coverage you have and what costs, if any, will be covered. You’ll also want to discuss the schedule and salary with your prospective caregiver, and be sure you agree on vacation and holiday pay and the rules around petty cash. All of these things should be written down before you hire anyone to ensure that there are no misunderstandings later on.