20 Steps on Hiring a Caregiver

5.  Get the caregiver fingerprinted in order to run the fingerprints through the FBI to check for any criminal history.  Your local police department can perform this service at a very nominal fee.

6.   Verify the caregiver's name by looking at her driver's license, identification card and social security card. Get photocopy of driver's license and identification card for your records.

7.    Conduct a formal interview. Have other family members and friends interview the caregiver to get their feedback. During the interviewing process, have the caregiver fill out a Caregiver Questionnaire. 

8.   Always pay a caregiver with a check, no cash. If the caregiver insists that payment be made by cash only, this could be a sign of some kind of foul play.

9.   Clearly state to the caregiver her duties and responsibilities. 

10.    Make surprise visits to check on the caregiver.  Ask close neighbors and friends check on the caregiver as well. 

Source: Cynthia Mofarrah. Article based on personal experience as a caregiver taking care of her sister diagnose with chronic multiple sclerosis.