How can I find a home care worker?

You can find a home care worker from a variety of sources including a home care agency, local registry or independent living center. You can also advertise for a home care worker in the help wanted or classified section of a local newspaper, use Craigslist.com, or via a college paper or bulletin board, particularly at a school of nursing. Some community newspapers or newsletters also feature ads from individuals seeking employment as a household helper.

Step 1: Place an ad
A sample ad could read something like this:

Female needed part-time for personal care and housekeeping for older disabled woman. Flexible hours. Call 555-1234 after 6:00pm.

Home Helper needed for chores. Must have drivers license and car. Non-smoker with time available in mid morning to mid afternoon weekdays. Call 555-4321 early morning is best.

Step 2: Screen candidates
You don't have to meet with everyone who responds to your listing. Before you set up an interview, make sure to ask a few prescreening questions so that the person understands the basic duties and schedule and you get an idea about the prospective worker's prior experience or training. In addition, be ready to provide basic information such as:

how many hours of work (total per week or per month) are needed

• what days and times of day are needed
• specific job duties (include driving, if appropriate)
• salary and benefits, frequency of pay
• other specifics (e.g., non-smoker only, must speak fluent English)

Step 3: Interview candidates
Interviewing is the pivotal part of your hiring process. This is where you ask more detailed questions and begin to evaluate which candidate is best suited to do the job.

• Where have you worked before? Do you have experience working with an elderly or disabled person?
  
• Do you know about ________ (ask about a specific illness or condition)?
  
• How do you feel about working for an elderly or disabled person?
  
• Tell me a little about yourself, your interests and hobbies.
  
• Do you have any health or physical problems which might hinder you on the job? (ask about lifting, bending, ability to drive, push a wheelchair, etc.)
  
• What other obligations do you have (e.g., school, part-time job) that will affect your schedule?
  
• Do you have your own car and car insurance? Would you be able to transfer someone from a wheelchair into a car?
  
• Are you comfortable cooking for someone else? How do you feel about cooking and eating food that someone else wants?
  
• How do you handle someone who is upset, angry or fearful?
  
• If appropriate: Do you have experience being around someone with memory problems? How do you handle someone who is confused?
  
• What made you choose this kind of work?
  
• Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or angry?
  
• How do you feel about smoking, drinking or using drugs?
  
• Is there anything in the job description that you would not do?
  
• What time commitment are you willing to make? When could you begin work?
• Do you have any questions about the job duties, schedule, or salary?
• Is there anything else you would like to add?
  
• Please give me two work-related references and one personal reference. Make sure I have your phone number and the best time to reach you.

Step 4: Evaluate the Interview
After interviewing a candidate, take a little time to note down your impressions or concerns. Try to do this immediately so the person is still fresh in your mind. This is a time for your "gut reaction" to kick in. So, use the following questions to guide you in choosing:

• Did the person arrive on time?
  
• Did I have a good feeling about the person/pleasant rapport?
  
• Did we agree on the job duties and schedule?
  
• Did the person provide the requested references?
  
• Did I tell the person when I would notify her?
  

Was there anything about the person that made me uncomfortable?

Step 5: Check References
Once you have narrowed your choices, be sure to do some background checking on any candidate. Use the following questions to check with prior employers:

This is a reference for__________________________

Provided by__________________________________ Date_______________

Relationship to applicant________________________
phone #____________

• How long have you known the applicant?
  
• What was her position?
  
• Please tell me about the responsibilities on the job?
  
• What is your impression of her as a worker?
  
• Is the person reliable? Punctual?
  
• Did she show initiative or wait to be told what to do?
  
• Does the person listen well? Follow instructions?
  
• Is she trustworthy?
  
• Does she show good common sense?
  
• Were there any problems on the job?
  
• Were you aware of any problems with drugs or alcohol?
  
• Would you recommend this person?

Step 6: Sign on the Dotted Line

Employer name____________________________

Employee name____________________________

Date of Hire______________________________

Salary______________________________ (per hour, week, month)

Fringe Benefits ___________________________

Terms of Payment____________________ (e.g., weekly, monthly)

Hours of Employment_________ to _________ on ___________ days
[changes in schedule or hours to be negotiable]

Employee's Social Security #______________________________

Employee Duties (fill in):

Personal Care:

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Household Chores:

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Non-Acceptable Behavior/Reason for Termination:

Signed:

Employer Name ________________________

Date___________________

Employee Name________________________

Date____________________

Hiring a home care worker requires patience and trust, and your instincts will be important. Beyond that, your time spent screening applicants and checking their references beforehand will greatly improve your chances of finding someone whose qualifications meet your caregiving needs.

For more information please visit:

Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services: Elder Services