By Shannin Prather
January 2017 | 2017 Winter Newsletter
Do you have questions about hiring a care provider? If you are new to IHSS, or haven’t hired a new care provider recently, you may want to know how to start teaching a new care provider the ways that you like things to be done and what your exact needs are. Building a positive relationship creates a safe and secure working environment—and this begins even before the provider’s first day working for you.
When interviewing a potential care provider, openly share your expectations. Discuss any difficult issues and agree on things before hiring your employee. Review services authorized for you by IHSS to make sure that the care
provider is capable and comfortable with these responsibilities. Share information about any health issues: allergies, special diet needs, infectious diseases, and other conditions requiring special care. This information will help the care provider make an informed decision about whether to accept the position, if you offer it.
Review the number of weekly hours you want the care provider to work, as well as any specific schedule requirements (days and times) during the interview to ensure that your needs match their availability. Also, once hired, decide on a method of keeping track of the hours worked so timesheets can be completed and signed in a timely manner.
On your care provider’s first day, share instructions about how you would like tasks to be completed, as well as the location of necessary tools and supplies. As an employer, you are responsible for providing cleaning supplies and any necessary protective equipment (such as gloves or face masks). Give your new employee a tour of the areas they will work in so that they can begin to feel comfortable in their new work environment.
In case of an emergency, information about your medications and medical history should be easily accessible, and it is a good idea to share your daily medication needs and schedule with providers once you have formed a trusting relationship. This information is very important if you ever experience a medical emergency. If 911 is ever called on your behalf, the first responders will need to know about medications you are taking, as well as your age and medical history. Along with this information, keep a list of emergency contact information (such as a family member or trusted friend) and your primary care doctor.
If you need to receive a list of pre-screened IHSS care providers that you can interview, please call the Public Authority Registry, (408) 350-3251.
Do you have questions about hiring a care provider? If you are new to IHSS, or haven’t hired a new care provider recently, you may want to know how to start teaching a new care provider the ways that you like things to be done and what your exact needs are. Building a positive relationship creates a safe and secure working environment—and this begins even before the provider’s first day working for you.
When interviewing a potential care provider, openly share your expectations. Discuss any difficult issues and agree on things before hiring your employee. Review services authorized for you by IHSS to make sure that the care provider is capable and comfortable with these responsibilities. Share information about any health issues: allergies, special diet needs, infectious diseases, and other conditions requiring special care. This information will help the care provider make an informed decision about whether to accept the position, if you offer it.
Review the number of weekly hours you want the care provider to work, as well as any specific schedule requirements (days and times) during the interview to ensure that your needs match their availability. Also, once hired, decide on a method of keeping track of the hours worked so timesheets can be completed and signed in a timely manner.
On your care provider’s first day, share instructions about how you would like tasks to be completed, as well as the location of necessary tools and supplies. As an employer, you are responsible for providing cleaning supplies and any necessary protective equipment (such as gloves or face masks). Give your new employee a tour of the areas they will work in so that they can begin to feel comfortable in their new work environment.
In case of an emergency, information about your medications and medical history should be easily accessible, and it is a good idea to share your daily medication needs and schedule with providers once you have formed a trusting relationship. This information is very important if you ever experience a medical emergency. If 911 is ever called on your behalf, the first responders will need to know about medications you are taking, as well as your age and medical history. Along with this information, keep a list of emergency contact information (such as a family member or trusted friend) and your primary care doctor.
If you need to receive a list of pre-screened IHSS care providers that you can interview, please call the Public Authority Registry, (408) 350-3251.