Skip to content

Checklists

Hiring and vetting in-home help

Bringing someone into your home is a big decision, and it's natural to want to move thoughtfully. You don't need to rush—take the time that feels right for your family.

Define the role

  • List the specific tasks needed: personal care, medication reminders, cooking, cleaning, transportation, companionship, or other support.
  • Note the schedule—hours per week, days needed, flexibility required, and whether overnight care is necessary.
  • Identify any special skills or experience (dementia care, mobility assistance, language preference, etc.).

Find candidates

  • Ask trusted family, friends, or healthcare providers for recommendations. Personal referrals often provide valuable insight.
  • Contact a reputable home-care agency if you prefer a vetted, insured provider.
  • Use caregiver-matching platforms or local senior services (e.g., Area Agency on Aging; call 1-800-677-1116 for local resources).

Screen and interview

  • Request references from previous employers or families and actually call them to ask about reliability and care quality.
  • Ask about their experience with your loved one's specific needs (mobility, dementia, medications, etc.).
  • Discuss availability, rates, flexibility, and whether they have reliable transportation.
  • Meet in person whenever possible so you and your loved one can assess comfort and communication.

Check background and credentials

  • Request a background check (criminal history and abuse/neglect registry); reputable agencies do this as standard.
  • Ask for proof of certifications (CPR, first aid, CNA if relevant) and verify they're current.
  • Confirm they have liability insurance and clarify whether you or an agency carries it. Legal and financial arrangements vary; discuss with an elder-law attorney if needed.

Trial and ongoing care

  • Plan a trial period—a few shifts or a week—before committing long-term, so you and your loved one can evaluate the fit.
  • Check in regularly with your loved one about how they feel and whether the caregiver meets expectations.
  • Document care tasks, schedules, and emergency contacts in writing so everyone is clear on expectations.
← All checklists

Keep going

Keeping a parent who wanders safe

This checklist helps you create a secure environment and a plan so your parent can move about with greater peace of mind.

Open →

Easing late-day confusion (sundowning)

This checklist offers practical, steady steps to create calm evenings and reduce confusion when it tends to rise.

Open →

Protecting yourself from caregiver burnout

This checklist helps you recognize when you need a break and take small, steady steps to care for yourself while caring for someone else.

Open →

Working out the bigger picture too? See what care costs, the programs that may help pay for it, or take the Care Needs Check to sort out what level of help fits.