Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Caregiver | Family Checklist

Family Caregiver Checklist

Questions to Ask & Steps to Take Before Hiring a Caregiver

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2. Questions to ask each caregiver 0 / 9

How long have you been a caregiver, and what kinds of clients have you cared for?
Which of the tasks we need have you done before?
Are you comfortable with memory loss, mobility help, or overnight care, if we need it?
What is your availability, and how do you handle sick days or time off?
Do you have reliable transportation, and are you willing to drive our loved one?
What would you do in an emergency or if our loved one fell?
How will you keep the family updated?
Are you an independent caregiver or do you work through an agency or your own business?
What is your rate, and what does it include?

3. Credentials and training to request and check 0 / 6

Ask for copies of any license or certification the caregiver lists (for example CNA or HHA)
Check each license or certification yourself with the organization that issued it
Check that CPR or First Aid cards are current, if the caregiver lists them
Ask about dementia, fall prevention, or other specialized training, and request proof if available
If the caregiver works for an agency or business, ask for its license information and check it with the issuing body
Compare what you were told with what the caregiver’s listing says

4. References and work history 0 / 5

Ask for at least two professional references, ideally from families or employers they cared for
Call each reference yourself and ask about reliability, honesty, and quality of care
Ask references whether they would hire the caregiver again
Review the caregiver’s work history and ask about any gaps
Write down what each reference tells you

5. Background checks you arrange yourself 0 / 6

Decide whether you want a background check, and what kind
Get the caregiver’s written permission before running any check
Learn which rules apply to background checks you arrange before you start
Choose how you will run the check (for example a background screening company)
Understand what a check can and cannot show, and review results carefully
If the caregiver offers a check they already have, confirm when and by whom it was done

7. Trial period and written agreement 0 / 5

Agree on a short trial period and a date to review how it is going
Put the agreed schedule, pay, duties, and other terms in writing
Both sides sign and keep a copy of the written agreement
Plan regular check-ins with the caregiver and your loved one
Ask your loved one how they feel about the caregiver

Compare caregivers side by side

Print this table and fill it in by hand as you talk to caregivers.

	Caregiver A	Caregiver B	Caregiver C
Name
Phone / email
Experience
Credentials (checked with issuer?)
References called
Background check (arranged by you)
Availability
Rate
Transportation
Notes

Browse caregiver listings

Subscribers can browse current advertising listings and contact caregivers directly. Listings are written by the caregivers themselves; use this checklist to do your own checks.

Browse caregiver listings Caregiver Readiness Checklist

Need to end an arrangement later? Either side can do it online without giving a reason: End an arrangement.

This is an educational self-help tool, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Families make all hiring decisions and are responsible for their own due diligence. Senior Care Referral does not screen, refer, or recommend caregivers, and does not inspect, verify, or certify anyone.

We publish. Providers advertise. Families choose. Everyone connects independently. · seniorcarereferral.com · (407) 603-6191