Use this interview worksheet with your parent to compare caregiver proposals. Start with the tasks they want help with and their privacy, language and daily-routine preferences. Record each provider’s answer and any evidence to request afterwards.
Background, training and role
What identity, employment, background and police checks have been completed? What evidence can be shared? What training and experience does the assigned person have for our parent’s needs? Which tasks require a nurse, therapist or another qualified professional? Who employs the caregiver and who is responsible if a concern arises?
Further reading: WHO: abuse of older people · Indian Journal of Community Medicine: elder abuse study · PIB: senior-care reforms
Daily care and communication
Who is our named contact? How are visits, changes and concerns documented? How can our parent raise an issue privately? What information will be shared with the family and with whose permission? Ask how a replacement is introduced and how the next person receives the agreed care information.
Emergency and backup arrangements
Ask the provider to explain the emergency process in order: who requests local help, who coordinates, who provides medical care and how the family is informed. What support is available outside the caregiver’s working hours? What response limitations apply? What is the plan if travel or routine staffing is disrupted?
Terms to write down before deciding
Ask about working hours, agreed tasks, notice or trial terms, leave cover, extra charges, money handling and any equipment-specific training needed. Request references that can be shared with consent. Record the answer, the supporting document requested and the follow-up question for each topic. Check unclear answers and written terms before agreeing care.