- Kasey Cunningham, M.S.
Interviewing a Potential Respite Provider
Seeking respite care for a loved one can be a scary idea. If you are looking for traditional respite care in which a paid caregiver comes into your home, it is a good idea to have an idea of who you are inviting in. To prepare, here is a list of potential questions you should ask when interviewing respite providers:
Do you have a driver's license? If yes, do you have reliable transportation and insurance? How far from here do you live?
Do you have any CPR or first-aid training? Do you have any formal caregiving training?
Do I have your permission to run a background check?
Do you smoke?
Can you perform the duties required for this position?
Are you comfortable with pets?
Are you available the hours needed?
When are you available to start working?
Do you have any medical conditions to prevent you from heavy lifting? Would you be able to transfer someone from a wheelchair into a car or onto a bed?
Where was your last job? How long were you there? Why did you leave? May we contact your past employer? Please provide contact name, phone number, and email address.
If meal preparation is needed, what kind of food do you cook? Have you had experience cooking for other people?
How do you feel about caring for an elderly/disabled person? Or a person with memory problems?
How do you handle people who are angry, stubborn, or fearful?
What type of diagnoses have you cared for?
Is there anything in the job description that you are uncomfortable doing?
Give an example of a difficult situation you handled with a client.
How will you keep the family informed?
Can you give me two work related and one personal reference?