- 1). Prepare your questions in advance. Make sure they cover all facets of your elder's care, such as meeting physical, emotional and intellectual needs. For instance, you will want to determine how your caregiver ensures that your loved ones get the appropriate medication, encouragement and mental stimulation that is necessary for their health.
- 2). Sit down in a comfortable place with the caregiver. Eliminate as many kinds of noise and distractions as you can. Have someone else watch your loved one for a while, if possible. Caregivers often feel harried and stressed out, so presenting the evaluation as a chance to take a break will be appreciated, and will be more likely to result in helpful answers to your questions.
- 3). Observe the caregiver in action. Since most individuals function differently when they know they are being watched, consider discreetly videotaping their interactions with your loved one. Check on the legality of this in your state before engaging in video surveillance. Hire a professional surveillance company if you are not comfortable setting up video cameras, microphones and other needed equipment. Often, these companies can arrange for services in such a way that caregivers never knows they are being taped.
- 4). Ask the caregiver how she likes the job. Evaluations are often a two-way street, and you need to take this fact into consideration. Determine if there is something that you can do to make her job more enjoyable, easier or convenient. This is not done solely for the caregiver's benefit. Figure out how to keep this person happily in the job, and you will probably find that your loved one benefits, as well.
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