New to this. Concerned about slightly but noticeable difference in cost making my mom think strongly about going the private route. On the other hand, the comfort of having all employee stuff handled by a company is a strong pull for me in that direction. It is Mom’s money but she did give me the job to decide. Just met company representatives and their care giver for Mom. Haven’t interviewed the private referral yet.
Contact your local "Area on Aging" office for list of caregivers.
I am sure that other people/posters have other suggestions regarding hiring caregivers.
Yonderfarm1987 also posted this question:
https://www.agingcare.com/questions/interview-tips-for-home-care-448255.htm?orderby=recent
As always, remove all items of value before you bring anyone into the home: financial statements, tax returns, items of monetary or sentimental value, Have financial paperwork rerrouted to you or POA. remove checks too.
After hiring either type, be sure to pop in unexpectedly from time to time . See how things are going
If your mother is only looking at the $ signs, tabulate the rest of the information too and award marks out of ten (or check/cross) for, say, flexibility, hours available, years of experience, qualifications, security screening, back-up, personal rapport, continuity of care, and so on. This way she can see all of the factors laid out, not just the money.
Where did the personal recommendation come from? It could be the best possible kind of referral, but only if it comes from someone whose judgement you have confidence in AND whose situation is directly comparable to your mother's.