What questions should I ask in a carer interview?

Every client will have different priorities and will need to ask different questions. Make sure you tailor interview questions to your individual situation. However, if you are struggling to come up with questions, here are some suggested questions you could ask a carer in an interview:

 

  • How long have you been a carer?
  • Having looked at your profile, I have read your expertise, but can you please explain more in depth?
  • What skills do you feel you could bring to the job?
  • Are you able to do heavy lifting? If so, please describe a time when you have had to do so (if required)
  • What are your cooking skills like? (if required)
    • How do you get on with pets? (if this applies)
    • If a live-in carer is required – How happy are you about living away from home?
    • Do you have your own car? If not, how do you anticipate getting here and out and about?
    • If you or the care recipient have precise issues, ask if they have ever worked with someone similar before. For example: ‘how would you deal with forgetfulness?’, or ‘have you dealt with an aggressive client before?’
    • Do you have a buddy set up as an option for your client to choose as cover for your holidays or illness?
    • Do you have any questions for me? – Invite questions at the end, the carer must be happy to work for you as well as you be happy to hire them.

      It is also important to discuss:

      • The carer’s preferred rota/hours
      • Their rates and any additional expenses such as travel and food
      • If they charge an additional cost for having to get up in the night (most live in carers are fine with a bit of disturbance, however some charge per call)
      • Time off (most live-in carers expect 2 hours off a day)
      • Mobile phone use (many clients restrict to emergencies and time off) and use of broadband (if there is any at the house)
      • Duties expected in addition to the care work, for example: housekeeping, minding pets, driving.

       

      We find that if everyone is happy and on the same page, this will help to create more enjoyable long-term care relationships. An interview can help you check that you like the carer and that the carer feels comfortable and prepared for the job.