Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Home Care Worker on Your Own

/Home/Alzheimer's Services and Support Programs/Alzheimer's In-Home Care Services - Overviews

If you're hiring an in-home health care worker without going through an agency, these questions should help you find a reliable match for your loved one. Involve the person you're caring for in the interview process as much as possible. It's his interview, with you asking the questions for him (if he's able to ask them himself, even better). (If you're hiring through an agency, see 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing an In-home Healthcare Worker From an Agency.)

Do you have any work experience in caregiving or similar areas?

Start with a broad question that encompasses more than in-home health work to give you a general sense of the person. Try to identify patterns or trends that show experience in caregiving, companionship, and working with people, even if it isn't specifically with older adults. Look for experience that indicates an ability to work independently, without close supervision.
What specifically makes you qualified for working with my loved one?

Here's where you ask about specific training or courses pertaining to in-home health work. Also ask for details that apply to your loved one's needs, such as experience bathing, feeding, dressing, cooking, cleaning, or lifting from, for example, a wheelchair to a toilet or bed.


Why are you interested in this type of work?

You're looking for someone who enjoys working with the elderly, or a caring, sociable, and nurturing person.
Are you comfortable dealing with my loved one's emotional or mental state?

You'll need to adapt this question depending on your loved one's state of mind, but it can cover such things as anger, silence, sadness, moodiness, and memory problems. (Obviously, you'll probably want to ask this particular question without your loved one present.) Laying this out before hiring someone is a win-win for you and job applicants. You can get a sense of how they'll be with your loved one, and they'll get a sense of interpersonal skills required for the job.

What days and times are you available and how many hours are you looking for?
What are your vacation, holiday, or time-off needs?
Do you have a car and are you comfortable driving my parent?
Are you a legal resident?
Does the salary work for you?
Are you bonded?
I plan to do a background check on all applicants who are strong contenders for the job. Is there anything you'd like me to know first?
Are you comfortable signing a work contract?
If we offer you the job, can we agree on a two-week trial period to see how we all feel -- you, me, and my parent?
Can you provide at least two references?
Do you have any questions or concerns at this point?