Hiring in-home help

Submitted by AgedCarer on Fri, 19/09/2008 - 12:33pm

Arranging in-home help is another way to get assistance at home.

One popular way of caring for an older family member is hiring home help. You can hire someone to help with any number of household chores such as shopping, cooking or taking a loved one to medical appointments.

For someone with more extensive care needs, a live-in home care assistant might be suitable. A live-in home care assistant can help alleviate the stress of worrying about a person falling or having a medical emergency at times when no one is around, particularly at night.

Many older people live in family homes that can accommodate another person. As rental prices escalate, the affordability of housing in many cities is out of reach of many people. Sometimes, a workable arrangement is to offer board in return for live-in care.

How do I find in-home help?

Place an ad in the local newspaper: The ad should include a brief description of the job, the hours required, the level of care needed, and the type of person you are looking for.

Post an ad at the nearest university campus: Students often require cheap housing. Students of nursing and allied health would be ideal as they come with the benefit of training and enthusiasm.

Approach a local nursing home: Personal care assistants who work in nursing homes often work in the community. Many take second jobs caring for people privately at home or may know of someone willing to help out. Personal care assistants come with the added bonus of having training in manual handling and dementia care.

Ask at a local senior centre: Many retired seniors volunteer their time in the community and know of lots of other people in similar situations.

Approach the local council: The local council will inform you of any volunteer groups or local agencies that can help you find in-home help.

Get a personal recommendation: Approach friends and family. Talking to people in similar situations often opens up many doors.

What to consider when hiring in-home help

If you hire someone privately, you do not have the benefit of the mandatory screening and police checks in the public sector. To counter this, word of mouth and personal recommendation is the next best option.

Ask for at least three references from applicants and check them thoroughly.

Does the carer have a clean driving license and car? Would they be prepared to take your family member to medical appointments?
Write down in contract form all the tasks you expect them to do. Be specific and make sure you have a common understanding and agreement. Get them to sign the contract and keep several copies.
Include in the contract expected hours, wages and time off.
Take into consideration the applicants level of training and experience when determining wages.
Organise a back-up carer for routine days off and sick days. You may find carers are willing to job share.
Consider the suitability of the carer regarding personal care issues. Would your family member prefer a male or female carer?
Ask your carer if they are aware of safe manual handling. This is essential if the carer needs to help with transfers, lifts and repositioning.
Investigate any issues regarding tax and public liability insurance.
Stipulate in the contract conditions regarding acceptance of gifts, money, loans or benefiting from a will (check with a lawyer first).

Interviewing the applicant

Write up some questions to ask. Involve your loved one, and have another family member or close friend present if it would help. Write down your impressions of the interview straight away.

Sample questions

What experience have you had with older people?
Where have you worked before and what were your duties?
Have you any experience working with someone with dementia?
How would you handle a difficult situation, such as if a person refuses to shower, cooperate or is aggressive?
What experience have you had lifting a person? Do you know how to transfer someone safely into bed, or into the car?
What experience have you had with giving medications?
Are there any tasks you don't feel comfortable doing?