Around 25% of adults in the United States act as caregivers for someone with an illness or disability. The need for caregivers is said to increase around 2030 when all of the baby boomers are 65 and older. As your parents begin to age, you may notice them needing more of your time and attention. 

They no longer can do all of the daily tasks they used to. Although you can provide a certain amount of help, it could be time to hire a professional caregiver. Hiring a caregiver reduces the stress associated with being the only person caring for your elderly parent. 

You’ll have more free time and won’t be stretched as thin throughout the week. however, when hiring a caregiver for an elderly parent, you need to be sure you find the best person for the job. Continue reading below for our list of questions to ask before hiring an in-home caregiver. 

1. What Specializations Do You Have?

Most caregivers will have specializations that’ll make them more suitable for your parent than someone else. When searching for the right caregiver for your aging parent, be sure to ask about their specializations and how they might align with your parent’s needs. If your parent suffers from dementia, then you’ll want to find a caregiver with experience working with dementia clients for example. 

Discuss all of your parent’s needs and then ask how the caregiver will be sure they can assist your parent with all their needs. 

2. Why Did You Become a Caregiver?

You want to leave your parent’s care in the best hands possible. In order to be sure of this, you need to take your time interviewing contestants. Another important question to ask a caregiver is about their reasonings behind becoming a caregiver. 

What’s their motivation for caring for the elderly? Do their answers seem sincere? If you detect dishonestly, then cross this person off your list and move on. 

3. How Will You Communicate With Me?

It’s essential the caregiver communicates with you on a daily basis. When you’re unable to be there with your parents, you’ll want to receive updates on their health and how the day was for them. Ask the caregiver how they plan to communicate these things and many other things with you.

Be sure to address what your expectations are as well. Bring your parent into the conversation as well so they can discuss their needs and what they want to be communicated also. 

Let’s Find the Right Professional Caregiver For Your Loved One

Hiring a professional caregiver is beneficial for a few great reasons. You can allow your aging parent to stay in the comfort of their home while still receiving optimal care. You can also choose to split the caregiving tasks with the professional caregiver to save money and spend bonding time with your loved one.

Use the helpful information listed in this guide above to find the best professional caregiver for your elderly parents. Are your parents unable to live on their own in their own home, but you don’t want to place them in a facility? Learn how building a mother-in-law suite could be the right option for you and your aging parents!

Discover some mother-in-law suite designs here.