Caregiver Services Canada

Exploring the option of hiring a private in-home service provider.

If you have decided to hire a caregiver, you will need to prepare yourself for the interview. These are the issues you are required to resolve prior to the ‘face to face’ encounter with the potential employee you will hire:

• What questions should you ask?
• How to conduct the interview and where?
• How to evaluate each applicant?

Preparing for the interview

If you have several potential applicants, you may want to conduct a brief phone interview. In most cases you will be able to eliminate some candidates asking specifically for their previous work experience and salary expectations.It is very important to involve the family member who needs the assistance in the interview process. Ideally, she/he will want to meet the potential caregiver since she/he will be receiving assistance from one of these individuals.

Choose a place in your home that is comfortable for both you and the applicant to have the interview.
Try, as much as possible, to eliminate any interruptions during the interview; i.e. turn on your answering machine so you don’t have to take phone calls, ask anyone else at home to stay away until the interview is over, etc…

Create a relaxing atmosphere to reduce the anxiousness of the candidates.

Starting the interview

Once the applicant arrives, make him/her comfortable and let him/her know that you have several questions but that you want him/her to ask questions whenever he/she needs more information.

Describe your current situation and needs as clearly and precisely as possible. Don't rush and don't try to minimize the needs of your family member for fear of "scaring off" the caregiver.

Encourage the candidate to ask questions.

Here are some questions you can ask during the interview

• Why do you want to take care of an elderly person?
• What is your work experience in this field?
• Specify the job requirements and ask if he/she can handle them.
• How would you handle some difficult situations where the person you care for becomes demanding, angry or aggressive
• Ask about the driving ability and driving record
• Can he/she provide a police clearance?
• Can he/she provide work references from previous employers.
• How would he/she deal with such restrictions involving smoking, drinking or specific diet