Adjusting to life changes, like assisted living, can be difficult.

Especially for seniors that were previously extremely independent, the new environment can be hard to get used to.

Finding a home caregiver can often be stressful, and it’s hard to know if the person you are hiring is truly capable of the job.

What is important to keep in mind is that the person you are hiring is there to help you or you’re elderly loved one. Trust in this situation is extremely important and can be the make or breaking point for whether or not your aging parents may or may not feel comfortable with having a stranger help them in the privacy of their home. Especially for those who are looking for full-time live-in care, trusting the caregiver that will be in your home even when you are sleeping is really important.

The first step to ensuring that the caregiver you hire for your elderly parents is to go through an adequate interview process. Start with a face-to-face interview with your parents, and don’t be afraid to ask for references. Experience and a good track record with past employers is a good way to know if the caregiver you are hiring is trustworthy and going to care for your parents.

If your parents have a rigorous medication schedule or take medications that are opiate based, it is also important to find a caregiver that is not going to take advantage of privileged access to such drugs.

If your parents are dementia or Alzheimer’s patients, it can be hard to know the reliability of the aid’s care based off your parent’s assessment.

Finding someone reliable can be a hard and daunting process, but once you find a good match you will have the peace of mind that your parents are taken care of and that you have nothing to worry about. Especially if you are taking care of a loved one, the stress that comes with providing care can be difficult and strain the relationship. Looking for a patient, understanding, and experienced aid is a winning combination that can lead to a very happy union.

Ultimately what needs to be considered while reviewing caregiver applications is whether or not you trust the individual’s integrity. Word of mouth, referrals, and references can all speak highly of the aid, but at the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with the person that will be helping your vulnerable parents or yourself. Once you find a reliable caregiver that is compatible with you or your aging loved one, make sure they know they are valuable. Keeping a good home caregiver is just as difficult as finding one.