Bathroom needs and habits
What assistance does your parent need to use the bathroom? Is he completely independent or does he need assistance sitting down or getting up from the toilet, reaching for toilet paper, wiping, taking on or off his pants, washing his hands afterward? Is he prone to constipation or diarrhea? Is so, what helps (a newspaper to read, being left alone, avoiding certain foods)?
Body temperature
Is your parent prone to feeling too warm or cold? Can he express this, or should the caregiver ask him or touch his skin? At what temperature should the thermostat be set? Does your parent like an open window and fresh air? A blanket on his lap?
Around-home activities
What are your parent's favorite TV shows, radio stations, and card or board games? What does he enjoy doing at home? Does he like surfing the Internet, reading, or doing crossword puzzles? What about his dislikes? Does TV grate on him? Does he hate making conversation or is he a chatterbox?
Exercise and outings
Does your parent take walks, and if so, where and for how long? What about car drives or outings to the mall, a museum, or a movie? Does he garden or spend time outside? Does he need help or reminders to put on a jacket, hat, or sunscreen? Should he be encouraged to get up and walk around, or does he need a reminder to use his walker? Does he have any indoor-exercise routines?
Friends and other social contacts
Who can your parent (or the caregiver) call if he wants company or is feeling lonely or down? List names, phone numbers, and the relationship to your parent. Do any of these people ever stop by to visit, or should they be invited? What's their availability?
Emergency contacts
This should include you, other key family members or friends who can be called in an emergency, and your parent's doctor and dentist. Obviously, you'll need to include names; home, office, and cell phone numbers; and e-mail addresses if appropriate.
I am looking for a caregiver position with your company I have close to thirty years experience my children are older now anad I am ready to reclaim my place in the work force and aspire to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner on the field of geriatrics which is my speciality especially in the alzheimer care and parkinsons.
I am in process of changing companies and it helps me in my decision process
Great checklist. Very good info. Hired a wonderful caregiver, who did everything, but as parents progressed I learned that this person would not administer rx's or even touch meds. Upon further questioning learned that C.M.A. certification has lapsed and had not been renewed, therefore was forbidden to administer rx's. After yet another serious health incident, parents had to go to assisted living. Kept caregiver once a week while they were in asst. living to take them out, shopping, etc. Later, this person aided in their leaving against my specific wishes. I have DPOA on both. (Please be certain that a family member has Durable Power of Attorney) Parents are not able to take care of themselves. No question about it. Had to end relationship. Sad.
Great checklist. Had a caregiver who was wonderful but would not administer or touch rx's. Not good.. Upon further questioning learned that her C.M.A. had lapsed and did not renew. Mystery solved. Not the caregiver anymore. Sad...
Good guide for families thinking about taking a much-needed respite--checklist of items to cover for an in-home care person.
Read this once before and intended to type up something to have on hand. Thanks for the reminder. Would certainly make that initial meeting flow better. Thanks
I am in process of finding new companion care and these questions will help with the interview
thank you for great information.
i did not know of all the help that is provided. THNAK YOU.
It confirmed what I already knew. I was looking for validation or anything I might have overelooked.
Great advice...