Breaking the Ice With a New Caregiver: Essential Questions to Ask a Caregiver During An Interview By Samantha Lebron

Black spiral notebook on a desk with a blank checklist on the fist page in black color marker with a pen lying on top of it. . On the right hand side is a plant and a cup of coffee on a white dish.


Some people with disabilities require the assistance of a caregiver. Below are some questions you can ask during an interview. Interviewing a caregiver beforehand allows both you and that potential caregiver to get to know one another and see if the care they can provide can meet your needs. 

Note, these are not the only questions you should ask during an interview; the questions below are a good place to begin if you are unsure of what you should ask. These questions were transcribed from one of Samantha's YouTube videos entitled "Top 10 Questions To Ask A Caregiver in 2021", which can be found on her YouTube channel called Being Sammy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPytfu95odc


How many clients do you have?

Ask this question right away because it will let you know how much time they have to dedicate to your needs. Sometimes, when they have too many clients, it can lead to schedule conflicts, double bookings, and even emotional stress for the caregiver, especially if that caregiver is trying to schedule everyone on their calendar at once. If you are getting a caregiver provided by the state, this is also a great question to ask the service provider, along with how many people are on their staff in this role. Again, it provides a snapshot that gives you a better idea of whether this company can handle your needs.

Do you know someone with my disability, condition, or medical needs? 

This is not an absolute make-it-or-break-it type of question. Still, it may make you feel more comfortable or put you more at ease knowing that this person knows someone with the same or similar condition as you, because they are more likely to understand what happens during a typical day for someone who has that disability or condition. Give them a run-through of the tasks that you do during a typical day. Do not try to leave anything out, no matter how minuscule you think it is, especially if your needs change frequently or unexpectedly. For example, I have a baclofen pump that's inside me to help me control my muscle spasms because I have cerebral palsy.

Sometimes, when I get a refill or if the reservoir inside the pump gets too low, it can cause side effects that affect my mobility more than on a typical day, requiring me to need more assistance with tasks that I would otherwise manage independently. This allows the opportunity to share that some days will be more involved than others. 

Can you meet these specific medical needs? 

Some of us have medical needs that require a specific protocol or steps to be followed. When my baclofen pump reservoir gets too low, I may start exhibiting symptoms that may affect my balance. If it reaches a critical point and the alarm starts to beep, specific steps have to be followed that may or may not result in a trip to the emergency room.

This is also a good time to mention anything that medical professionals need to know in case of emergencies, such as medications, allergies, or any other protocol. Due to the nature of my baclofen pump, I am unable to enter an MRI machine unless the drug is removed from the pump. This procedure must be performed by a registered nurse from the pharmaceutical company that manufactures my pump, not by hospital staff. 

Can you meet my schedule needs?

For some, medical needs can keep us homebound, while others have jam-packed schedules that are hard to keep up with. This is a crucial question, especially if the caregiver is going to be providing transportation to and from where you need to go. You want to avoid schedule conflicts that could cause you to be late or miss activities you need or want to do. 

What type of vehicle do you have? 

This is a good question to ask if the caregiver is going to be providing transportation in their own vehicle.  If you have any mobility limitations, ensure you can get in and out of the vehicle safely. Not only that, but if you have any assistive devices like a walker or a wheelchair, you will want to ensure they fit in the vehicle as well. This should also include any items you bring to activities. You want to make sure that they fit, too. 

Can you assist with these extra tasks? 

Do not forget to mention anything extra on your schedule that may not happen daily. This can include special doctor's appointments, as well as school or work commitments.

What schedule demands do you have? 

If they answer no immediately, ask these follow-up questions. 

Do you have a second job or children?

Additional questions include whether they are a caregiver for a family member or whether they are going to school. I know asking about children can be sensitive, and it is usually not allowed in other job interviews. Still, I ask this question to a potential caregiver because it allows me to work into the conversation that I am flexible with scheduling. I let them know that they have a life outside of this job, and I am okay if they happen to be late from time to time or if they have to reschedule with me. 

What do you like to do for fun?

Yes, our medical needs are top priority, but we also like to have fun. Asking them this question allows them the opportunity to get to know you as a person, not as a patient. Plus, you never know. You may discover you have things in common and find new activities to enjoy. 

Are you allergic to anything, especially to any pets I have?

It is essential to let them know of any allergies, sensitivities, or preferences you may have. Remember to ask about their allergies, sensitivities, or preferences also. They may be allergic to certain animals. This can also apply to any personal care products that have to be used while providing care to you, such as soap, laundry detergent, etc. Remember, they may have to handle your food as well.

These are just a few questions to ask a potential caregiver to determine if they can meet your needs and if you and they can get along. Remember, it's not just about the tasks you need help with. You need to be comfortable and get along with them during vulnerable moments, such as dressing and bathing. If it is not a good fit, speak up. Voice it to the caregiver or the company that they work for until you all reach an understanding. 


Resources: 

Top 10 Questions to Ask a Caregiver 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPytfu95odc


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