10 Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Private Caregiver

Hiring a private caregiver is a deeply personal decision—one that affects not just your loved one’s quality of life but also your peace of mind. Whether you're hiring through a caregiver registry like Willamette Valley Caregivers or searching independently, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure a safe and successful match.

Here are 10 important questions to ask any caregiver before inviting them to work with your loved one:

1. What experience do you have with seniors who have similar needs?

Ask for specific examples. Whether your loved one has dementia, mobility issues, or simply needs companionship, it’s important to know the caregiver is comfortable and experienced with those needs.

2. Are you licensed or certified in any areas of care?

While private caregivers aren’t required to have certifications in Oregon, many bring credentials like:

• CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)

• CPR/First Aid certification

• Dementia Care Training

  
  

3. Can you provide references from past clients or families?

A qualified caregiver should be able to provide references. Be sure to ask specific questions about reliability, communication, and compassion when you follow up.

4. Are you insured or bonded?

When hiring through a registry like ours, caregivers are often independent contractors, so it's good to ask what kind of insurance coverage they carry. You may also want to explore liability coverage on your end.

5. What is your availability and how flexible are your hours?

Care needs can change over time. Clarify whether the caregiver is available for nights, weekends, or on short notice if your situation evolves.

6. What tasks are you comfortable helping with?

Not all caregivers provide the same level of service. Be clear about your expectations. Common areas include:

• Meal prep

• Bathing and dressing

• Medication reminders

• Transportation

• Light housekeeping

  
  

7. How do you handle emergencies or difficult situations?

Ask for examples of how they’ve responded to a medical issue, fall, or family conflict. Their response will tell you a lot about their professionalism and judgment.

8. How do you like to communicate with families?

Strong communication is key to successful caregiving. Ask how they provide updates—text, calls, or written logs—and how often.

9. Are you comfortable with pets, smoking, or other household conditions?

Make sure the caregiver is aware of any environmental factors that may affect their ability or willingness to work in the home.

10. Why did you choose caregiving, and what do you love most about it?

This personal question helps reveal the caregiver’s heart and motivation. A caregiver who’s in it for the right reasons will usually shine through here.

Bonus Tip:

If you're working through a Caregiver Registry, ask the registry itself: “How do you screen, vet, and match caregivers to families?”

At Willamette Valley Caregivers, we take pride in connecting families with qualified, compassionate caregivers who meet high standards and align with your unique needs. You choose your caregiver; we support you every step of the way.

📞 Need help finding the right caregiver?Let’s talk. Call us at 503-874-4199 or visit www.wvcaregivers.com to learn more about how our registry works.