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 parent. Involve your parent 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 care giving, companionship, and working with people, even if it isn't specifically with older people. Look for experience that indicates an ability to work independently, without close supervision.

What specifically makes you qualified for working with my parent?

Here's where you ask about specific training or courses pertaining to in-home health work. Also ask for details that apply to your parent'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 parent's emotional or mental state?

You'll need to adapt this question depending on your parent's state of mind, but it can cover such things as anger, silence, sadness, moodiness, and memory problems or dementia. (Obviously, you'll probably want to ask this particular question without your parent 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 parent, and they'll get a sense of interpersonal skills required for the job.