Questions to Ask When Hiring a Caregiver
- Has the caregiver been given local, state and national background checks before being assigned to a client?
- Is the caregiver authorized to work in the United States?
- What types of training has the caregiver been given?
- Who withholds payroll taxes? (Social Security, Medicare taxes, Income taxes, Unemployment taxes and Workmen’s Compensation tax.)
- Are the caregivers covered by Liability Insurance and Workmen’s Compensation Insurance?
- Are caregivers covered by dishonesty insurance?
- Who supervises the caregivers? Do they perform surprise on-site visits?
- If a caregiver can’t report to a job, is there a replacement available?
- Who supervises the client/caregiver relationship when the client lives alone or has no family nearby? For example: Keeping track of medications and/or appointments.
- Do you have the opportunity to meet and approve of the caregiver prior to assignment?
- Does the caregiving agency follow standards and ethical guidelines of the National Private Duty Association?
- Is the agency a member of the New Mexico Chapter of the National Private Duty Association? (Not necessary, but does indicate compliance with national standards and ethics.)
Source: National Private Duty Association <www.privatedutyhomecare.org>
