Caregivers Services Vancouver.

Both the employer and caregiver should have a clear picture of expectations, duties, and work schedule to be performed within the authorized number of hours. This is the guideline to help both sides to develop and understanding of all requirements in the position available.

The following is a list of suggested items that might be included in the interview:

1. Discuss the work schedule that includes start time, lunch, breaks, and finish time.
2. Give information about:

• Employer’s age, physical / mental status, daily routine and general information
• Home responsibilities: housekeeping, laundry, meal preparations, etc.
• Salary, benefits (BC medical coverage), accommodation (if live-in position)
• Personal care, special diet, medication, transportation to doctor appointments.

3. Now that the applicant is aware of the requirements, it’s time for him / her to provide answers to some very relevant and important questions:

• Personal information, educational background and work experience and training
• Medical emergency: “How would you deal with an emergency situation?”
• Previous experience in similar jobs (details)

4. Closing questions:

• Can you handle the job?
• Are you interested to work for us?
• Do you have any questions for us?

Once the interview is concluded it’s time to make a general assessment and write your notes, BEFORE the next interview:

• General impression: appearance, personality, ability to handle the job
• Strengths and weaknesses: language skills, interaction with the employer
• Salary and work load issues.

After a careful consideration of all applicants, you can make your decision who is the best suitable candidate to care for you and your home.

Caregiver is someone who helps another person that can no longer manage everyday tasks alone. A person providing assistance to older adults or handicapped individuals performing basic daily tasks like bathing, dressing, preparing meals, etc…

The caregiver can be a volunteer or paid employee provided by the health care system coming routinely to help the ‘patient’ in the morning getting out of bed, take a bath and have a breakfast. Later in the day he or she will come back to prepare the patient for bedtime. It could also be a family member, a long time friend or neighbor extending a helping hand on regular basis.

Many tasks and activities can be considered as the caregiver responsibilities. Although the majority of these tasks are performed at home: washing, dressing, give medications, etc… but others are not necessarily domestic chores like driving the patient to doctor’s appointment, social gathering or just ‘a walk in the park’.

In essence, the caregiver is providing physical and emotional support to those who need help to continue living in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

A caregiver job is a demanding one because other people depend on the caregiver to make the difference in their quality of life. There is nothing more rewarding one can do than be able to positively touch other people’s lives. So before you take on a position to care of others, you should first take care of yourself to ensure that you are fit to perform your duties and take on your responsibilities.

A simple rule of thumb to live by, don’t Forget to Care for you. The people you are caring for depend on it.

Here are a few tips to help along the way:

Be wise – immunize

1. Caregivers are more at risks for infectious diseases such as colds and flu. A flu vaccine is a one step defense to be taken once a year.
2. Tetanus booster one every ten years will be a good second step.
3. Pneumococcal vaccination taken once will last a lifetime in most cases.

Don’t neglect yourself – respect your body

1. Tell your doctor if you feel depressed or nervous.
2. Take some time off if you are exhausted
3. Take time each day to do something for yourself, Listen to music, read or exercise
4. Eat healthy foods and don’t skip meals
5. Get a yearly check-up

And last but not least, don’t do it all yourself, get help and support from your family, friends or other professionals. Remember, Care giving can take a toll on you!

• Do you want to be independent and live at home?
• Need someone to live-in in case of emergency?
• Want quality nursing care?
• Want quality home care that suits your budget?