Hiring a Home Nurse or Attendant for Parents: What to Check (Video)

2:17 min

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Choosing the right home nurse or attendant for a parent can feel overwhelming. This video walks you through the four essential things to verify, skills, identity, hygiene, and respect, so you can feel confident in your decision. We also reveal the single most important test you should do before hiring, plus practical tips on paperwork, trial periods, and keeping your loved one safe and dignified.

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Transcript

How can you be sure a home caregiver truly respects your parent?

How can you be sure a home caregiver truly respects your parent?

Hiring Home Care

We’ll walk through the four essential things to verify before hiring a home nurse or attendant, and reveal the single most crucial check at the end.

Nurse vs Attendant

First, decide whether you need a trained nurse or an attendant. List every daily task your parent can’t do alone, then match those tasks to the caregiver’s skills, and note any certifications the nurse holds.

Identity & References

Next, confirm identity. Look at the original national ID, make a photocopy and a photo. Call at least two former families yourself and ask why they left. Also request a police verification certificate if available.

Compare three quotes

Get at least three written quotes from different providers before deciding.

Hygiene & Medicine Rules

Hygiene matters. Require hand washing before meals, after bathroom work, and after handling soiled clothes. Let the family fill a weekly pill organizer and have the attendant log each dose. Separate soiled linens from family clothes and use gloves for wound care.

Respect & Dignity

Respect your parent’s preferences. Ask if they want a female caregiver, a specific language, or prayer-time considerations. A good attendant involves the parent, speaks gently, and encourages independence. Make sure prayer times are respected and cultural habits honored.

Interview test time

Spend ten minutes letting your parent interact with the candidate while you step aside, listening for tone and patience.

The one crucial check

The one thing to watch is whether your parent feels comfortable when you’re not in the room; if they smile and stay engaged, you’ve likely found the right fit. Observe if they maintain privacy and dignity during care.

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Read the full guide

The full guide is on thecareonline.com. General information only, so check with your doctor for your own case.

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