By Fran Kiernan and Monica M. Macer
April 2015 | 2015 Spring Newsletter
The first step to establishing a successful consumer/provider relationship is knowing how to conduct an interview. Here are some helpful tips when interviewing a potential caregiver over the phone or in-person.
If you leave a message for a caregiver, or call from a “blocked/restricted” number, be sure to speak your name and phone number clearly and distinctly. If they can’t understand you, they probably won’t call you back.
During the phone interview, give important information about your needs. What are the services and hours authorized by IHSS? what schedule do you want the caregiver to work? What date do you want them to start?
When interviewing a potential provider, by phone or face-to-face, be sure to avoid asking inappropriate questions regarding their personal life, marital status, age, or religion. You are looking for information about their experience and qualifications as a caregiver.
Some appropriate questions would be: How long have you been a caregiver? What types of services have you provided to previous clients? What do you enjoy about caregiving? Do you have any references? Remember, though, that providers on the Public Authority Registry have already had their references checked, so you won’t need to do this for those providers.
Asking these types of questions will help you determine if a particular caregiver is the right on for you.