How to Do Evaluations on Caregivers

Your caregiver could be a nurse, aide or other professional.

If you hire a home care professional for your elderly loved one, there will come a time when you need to determine whether things are working out. While it is likely that you vetted the caregiver prior to hiring him, checking backgrounds and references doesn't always tell the whole story. You still need to conduct periodic evaluations on the person to determine if he has the expertise necessary to do the job. In addition to his working experience, you need to see if the caregiver has the right kind of rapport with your senior citizen.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen
• Video camera

Instructions

1. Prepare your questions in advance. Make sure they cover all facets of your elder's care, such as meeting physical, emotional and intellectual needs. For instance, you will want to determine how your caregiver ensures that your loved ones get the appropriate medication, encouragement and mental stimulation that is necessary for their health.

2. Sit down in a comfortable place with the caregiver. Eliminate as many kinds of noise and distractions as you can. Have someone else watch your loved one for a while, if possible. Caregivers often feel harried and stressed out, so presenting the evaluation as a chance to take a break will be appreciated, and will be more likely to result in helpful answers to your questions.

3. Observe the caregiver in action. Since most individuals function differently when they know they are being watched, consider discreetly videotaping their interactions with your loved one. Check on the legality of this in your state before engaging in video surveillance. Hire a professional surveillance company if you are not comfortable setting up video cameras, microphones and other needed equipment. Often, these companies can arrange for services in such a way that caregivers never knows they are being taped.

4. Ask the caregiver how she likes the job. Evaluations are often a two-way street, and you need to take this fact into consideration. Determine if there is something that you can do to make her job more enjoyable, easier or convenient. This is not done solely for the caregiver's benefit. Figure out how to keep this person happily in the job, and you will probably find that your loved one benefits, as well.

Tips & Warnings

• If your caregiver is not performing up to par, but is not abusing or neglecting your loved one, consider giving him an opportunity to improve before initiating termination proceedings.

References

• "Elder Care: What to Look For, What to Look Out For!"; Thomas M. Cassidy; 2004