Personality Fit? Top Tips For Working out if a Carer is Right for You and Your Family

by Careseekers

When looking for a carer, the question at the forefront of most people’s minds is ‘how will this carer get along with the person needing care?’ Particularly if the person needing care has been quite resistant to having a carer in their home.

Without a crystal ball, this can be a hard question to answer. However, you can get a good sense of the person by making a few inquiries and asking a few relevant questions.

Here are our top tips

  1. When interviewing the carer ask them all, or some, of the following questions -

    • Why did you become a carer?
    • What do you like most about caring?
    • What do you think makes a good carer?
    • If you needed a carer what would you like them to be like?
    • What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

    These questions will give you a sense of the person’s interests, their approach to caring and the type of attitude they have towards the people they care for.

  2. Follow up with referees and ask them really specific questions, for example ‘my mother likes things done in a particular way, how do you think the carer will manage this?’

  3. Include the person needing care in the decision making process, as much as possible. Let them meet with all the carers you are considering or at the very least the person you think is most right for the role.

  4. Always start slowly and consider putting in place a trial period. For example, before a live-in moves in, make sure they come over for tea a few times. Like all good relationships, the relationship between a carer and the person they are caring for may take time to flourish. Doing your homework at the beginning will make this process easier.

We’ve seen the most wonderful friendships formed between carers and the people they care for. Often these friendships extend to the family members and the carer becomes like part of the family. At Careseekers we can help you find the carer to fit your family’s needs. Contact us today call 1300 765 465 or email info@careseekers.com.au.

To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer

To find aged care services, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers

To find disability support services, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers