NOTE: This checklist and narrative is intended for you to use in locating, interviewing and hiring a personal care provider to meet your needs. It may also be of use in maintaining quality care once you have located a provider.

Senior Information and Assistance provides this list as a convenience to consumers. We do not recommend or endorse any service or company. Consumers should ask for references and proof of professional licensing.

Where to Find an Employee . . .

Most care providers are found among relatives or friends. Churches and hospitals are also good sources for this type of help. A number of facilities have Bulletin Boards on which ads can be placed.

Some places to try are Financial Aid Offices of Colleges and Vocational Schools, Senior Citizen Centers, Senior Citizen Newspapers, and Grocery/Variety stores. You may also choose to run an ad in a local newsletter or newspaper.

Hiring A Provider . . .

Set up an interview. Arrange to have a friend or relative present at the interview, if possible. Be sure to get the person's name and phone number. Ask for at least two work and two personal references.

During the interview:

• Explain your needs and describe the job as accurately as possible.
• Can your worker match their schedule to your needs?
• Ask about worker's past jobs.
• Try to obtain information about worker's likes, dislikes, habits and abilities.
• Explain your habits and preferences, and make certain the worker can cater to them.
• If needed, can the person provide transportation? Do they have car insurance? Ask to see Driver's License and proof of insurance.
• Special training in care giving, CPR and First Aid?
• When can the person start work, if hired?
• Set a time when you will notify worker as to whether you will hire them or not. (Do not hire them until you have checked the references).

Following the interview, write down your impressions. Trust your instincts. If you have any uneasy feelings about the applicant, do not hire him/her. Gut feelings are important.

You may have to interview several applicants before you find the right person. Do not be discouraged. Take your time. The payoff will be peace of mind when you hire someone you trust.

Conditions of Employment . . .

Write a letter explaining conditions of employment for your care provider. Include in it:

• Exact work hours/days.
• Salary and benefits, who pays Social Security taxes and IRS taxes.
• Exact job responsibilities (bathing, toileting, diapering, shopping, cleaning, etc.).
• Number of days notice required if/when the person quits.

It is helpful to include a calendar with work hours written in and daily responsibilities noted. The care provider can then jot notes on the calendar if there are problems or changes. This calendar can also be used as a time card to keep track of employee's pay.

To maintain a set level of care, have your current provider train your new provider, if possible. Arrange a method of monitoring the worker (a case manager can assist you with this). Arrange for regular conferences with your provider. Don't let doubts or problems build up. Be assertive but open to suggestions. Be sure your provider knows your doctor's phone number and someone else to contact in a medical emergency.