How to Hire a Home Care Attendant

Home care attendants are valuable resources for those who cannot live independently. A care attendant may be responsible for the day-to-day activities of a person's schedule or may help with long term care responsibilities such as feeding and bathing. Choosing a home care attendant to work for yourself or a loved one doesn't have to be a daunting task; in fact, it can be rewarding for both parties. Prepare yourself and your expectations prior to making the important decision of hiring a home care attendant.

Things You'll Need

• Daily schedules
• List of job tasks
• Employment contract

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult your health insurance carrier to find out if a home care attendant is covered. Many long term care policies will pay for a home care attendant and other expenses that may incur during a pre-determined length of time. Contact your local government center to find out about contract attendants through government funded programs if you do not have health insurance. Set your budget for this service if you will be paying out of pocket.

• 2

  Speak with family and friends to inquire about a personal care attendant reference. Word-of-mouth referrals may be less expensive if your insurance carrier does not pay for this service; check with your homeowners insurance to ask if you need liability insurance if you hire a home care attendant. For a professional reference contact your family physician, hospital or local long-term care facility.

• 3

  Determine if you want to hire a care attendant as an independent contractor or as an employee. Independent contractors will handle their own taxes and insurance but you will be responsible for filing your payment wages. Employing someone will make you the responsible party for paying taxes, withholding taxes and supplying benefits if you choose.

• 4

  Prepare an interview packet to go over with potential care givers. Include meal plans, daily schedules, morals and values and role play scenarios. Let the home care attendant know up front what is expected of her before she begins her job.

• 5

  Set an appointment to meet with different home care attendants. If they are self-employed ask for insurance information, a background check, references, past employment history and their resume. If you are meeting with different agencies, check credentials for each home care attendant; the agency will run the background check and employment history. Agencies will normally be licensed, bonded and insured.

• 6

  Ask the possible home care attendant for a paid probationary period. If you are interviewing a care attendant for someone other than yourself, set a trial period to find out if the two people work well together.

• 7

  Extend a contract of employment to the home care attendant if you are satisfied with her probationary period. After a period of six to 12 months discuss evaluations and raises if applicable.