Families often have to make a decision between working with an agency or hiring individuals to provide services. There is no right or wrong decision and each family has to make the decision best for them. If your family makes the decision to privately hire in-home help, consider asking the following questions before you decide to bring someone new into your or your loved one’s home:
- Do you hold any certifications or licenses?
- How long have you been providing in-home care assistance?
- Have you ever been accused or convicted of malpractice, abuse, or neglect?
- Do you have a resume?
- Are you willing and able to perform all job responsibilities?
- Are you willing to obtain a BCII background check?
- Do you have reliable transportation to and from the home?
- Are you available to travel out of city/county/state with the care recipient, if necessary?
- What is your hourly rate?
- What is your availability?
In addition to these questions, families should consider having a criminal background check and driving record check completed. It is also wise to request at least three references and take the time to review their resume closely and call the references to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy.