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Navigating the Caregiver Hiring Process: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias artwork
The Caregiver's Journey

Navigating the Caregiver Hiring Process: Five Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

  • S2E32
  • 28:48
  • April 8th 2025

When the time comes to bring professional caregiving support into your loved one’s life, the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re hiring a caregiver for home care or to complement care in a community setting, understanding how to find, evaluate, and select the right person is crucial for both your peace of mind and your loved one’s well being.

We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, we’ve developed five essential tips for hiring a paid caregiver, based on real experiences and practical advice from caregiving experts. These insights will help you navigate this important transition with confidence and clarity.

Connect with us and share your tips:


Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.com/32-navigating-the-caregiver-hiring-process-five-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/


Additional Resources Mentioned


Takeaways

Tip 1: Assess Your Loved One’s Needs

Before you begin searching for a caregiver, it’s important to thoroughly understand what kind of support your loved one requires. This assessment will guide all your subsequent decisions about the type of caregiver, frequency of care, and specific qualifications needed.


Consider these key areas when assessing needs:

  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
  • Medical Needs
  • Household Management Tasks
  • Safety Concerns
  • Transportation and Mobility
  • Companionship Needs


Tip 2: Determine the Type of Caregiver and Frequency Needed

There are three main categories of paid caregivers, each with different training levels and capabilities:

  • Companion Care
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Skilled Nursing

Tip 3: Understand Your Financial Resources

Review Your Financial Resources

  • Savings and investment accounts
  • Long-term care insurance policies
  • Regular income sources
  • Family financial contributions.


Explore Available Benefits

  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • Veterans Benefits


Consider Family Contributions


Tip 4: Decide Between Agency or Private Hire

When you work with a caregiving agency:

  • They Handle Administrative Tasks
  • They Provide Backup Coverage
  • They Offer Training and Supervision
  • They Assume Liability


Private Hire Benefits

  • It’s Usually Less Expensive
  • You Have Complete Control
  • There’s Often More Flexibility
  • You May Find Through Word-of-Mouth


Private Hire Challenges

  • You’re the Employer
  • No Backup Coverage
  • Limited Screening Resources


Tip 5: Evaluate potential caregivers thoroughly

Key Questions for Interviews

  • Scheduling and Availability
  • Qualifications and Experience
  • Approach to Care
  • Communication Style

Background Checks and References

Set Clear Expectations

Especially for private hires, establish from the beginning that the arrangement is on a trial basis.

Include Your Loved One When Appropriate


Next Steps: Care Plans and Integration

  • Develop a written plan 
  • Develop an Integration Strategy


Read More in This Blog here 

The Caregiver's Journey

Finally! Practical Tips & Candid Conversations for Alzheimer's and Other Dementia Caregivers.

The Caregiver’s Journey is an innovative and refreshing way to learn how to tackle day-to-day Alzheimer's and dementia family caregiving challenges with strength, patience, and peace of mind. Using practical tips and candid conversations, co-hosts Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster help you navigate caregiving's ups and downs, so you move from feeling frustrated and overwhelmed to confident and supported. 

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