Hiring Caregivers Guide: How to Prepare for the First Week

Use the following tips to get off to a good start during the first week with a new caregiver.

• Be available. If you're a long distance caregiver, you'll have to make plans to be there the first few days. Plan one day for them to observe you and take notes (at least for a couple of hours) and then another day where you're the observer, taking notes, answering questions and making suggestions.

• Create a notebook and include a typical schedule, important numbers, contacts, etc.

• Don't expect your ways to be followed to the letter, but pick one or two very important items that you do want done "your way," and follow through until you get the results you want. Be clear, be consistent.

• Allow the home care aide to find new ways to tackle certain problems-and acknowledge their input.

• Don't be surprised if your loved one rebels and doesn't like this person right away-give it time.

• Don't be surprised if it turns out they like the new care taker better than you do!

• Resist the urge to move too fast emotionally and make your new employee an extended family member-trust should be natural and takes time.

• Stop by at odd times. Not practical? Check on them often by phone, email, or visits.

• Ask what the most challenging part of the week was-and brainstorm together for solutions.

• Expect this to take a bit of time-try to not to nitpick-and allow the companion to give care and attention in their own unique style.

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