How to Hire a Caregiver for the Elderly
Realizing your parent may need help at home is never easy. Maybe it started with a small concern—a missed medication, an unsteady moment, or a subtle change in mood. Maybe it was something bigger, like a serious fall. Whatever the signs, you may start thinking, “I need to start looking for a caregiver for my dad or mom.”
From there, the questions might start to build:
What kind of help does he actually need?
Where do I even begin?
How do I make sure this feels supportive and not like I’m taking over his life?
Maybe you’re exploring options for the first time through searches like “caring for elderly parents near me” or “caregiver services near me.” Or perhaps you’ve already started talking to home care agencies about an in-home caregiver or helper. Regardless of where you are on this journey, we want you to know that you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to hire a caregiver for the elderly loved one in your life—from understanding different types of in-home care to recognizing what makes a great caregiver. We’ll finish by introducing an in-home care service that can help prepare you and your elderly loved one for the transition to at-home care.
Understanding the Different Types of In-Home Care
If you have ever searched “caring for elderly parents near me,” or “caregiver services near me,” chances are you’re navigating a lot of emotions and even more questions. One of the first decisions you’ll face is understanding what kind of support your loved one truly needs.
Let’s break down the most common types of care available so you can feel more confident as you consider how to hire a caregiver for the elderly loved one in your life.
1. Companion Care
This is often the first step families take when a parent is still fairly independent but could use an extra hand now and then.
A caregiver or helper providing companion care can:
Offer friendly conversation and social interaction
Help with light tasks like laundry or preparing meals
Accompany your loved one to appointments or errands
Remind your parent to take medications
Companion care is ideal for seniors who benefit from engagement with others and gentle support, while still maintaining their independence.
2. Personal Care Assistance
Sometimes, daily routines like getting dressed or showering start to feel like major hurdles. That’s when a personal home helper can make all the difference.
Personal care aides assist with:
Bathing, grooming, and dressing
Toileting and incontinence care
Safe mobility around the house
Monitoring subtle health or mood changes
In-home caregivers can also provide transportation services to and from appointments, the grocery store, or social events.
3. Specialized or Skilled Care
If your loved one has more complex medical needs—like memory issues, chronic illness, or a recent hospital stay—you may need someone with specialized training.
In these cases, families often ask how to hire a caregiver who can:
Support conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s
Assist with recovery after surgery
Coordinate care with nurses or therapists
Ensure medications and routines are followed correctly
There may also come a time when your aging loved one needs hands-on care 24 hours a day. This level of care may not be needed right away, but knowing it’s available through trusted providers can bring you comfort now.
What to Look for When Hiring a Caregiver for the Elderly
Once there’s clarity on the kind of in-home help that’s needed, the next step is understanding what makes a caregiver truly exceptional. Whether you’ve searched for “caregiver services near me” or “home aides near me,” the qualities that matter most often go beyond skills or certifications.
At its core, caregiving is a relationship built on trust. When someone enters your parent’s home—often helping with personal or vulnerable tasks—you want to feel confident they’ll bring more than just technical know-how.
So what actually builds that trust? Here are the key traits to look for when meeting potential caregivers or home care agencies.
Reliability: Trust begins with consistency. A caregiver who shows up on time, follows through on commitments, and keeps a steady routine becomes a dependable presence—not just for your loved one, but for you too. The best caregivers are the ones who show up physically, mentally, and emotionally for your loved one day in and day out.
Respect for Your Parent’s Interests: The right caregiver doesn’t just help—they listen. They speak to your parent directly, ask how they like things done, and treat the home as a personal space, not a job site. Small gestures of respect go a long way in making someone feel safe and seen.
Clear Communication: Whether it’s a quick note about how the day went or a heads-up about a small change in routine, great caregivers keep you in the loop. You shouldn’t have to chase updates or wonder how things are going. Open communication builds trust throughout the care journey.
Sense of Ease: Not every caregiver will be the right fit—and that’s okay. What matters is how your parent feels in their presence. If they seem more relaxed, more themselves, or even just a little more upbeat after a visit, that’s a sign the relationship is on solid ground.
Understanding these qualities can give you confidence as you navigate how to hire a caregiver for the elderly—someone who offers not just support, but real peace of mind.
Helping a Parent Feel Comfortable After Hiring a Caregiver for In-Home Help
Bringing someone new into the home—especially for personal support—can feel like a big adjustment. For aging parents who value their independence, it may bring up feelings of vulnerability or concern. And for adult children, there’s often the added pressure of making the right choice and easing the transition thoughtfully.
The good news? With the right approach—and the right caregiver—it’s absolutely possible to make this shift feel supportive rather than disruptive.
Here are four ways to help your elderly loved one transition well to a caregiver.
1. Involve Them Early
Let your parent be part of the conversation. Ask what kind of support would be helpful, and discuss any hesitations. Whether it’s a personal home helper a few days a week or a full-time in-home caregiver, involving your parent helps them feel empowered.
2. Ease Into a Routine
Starting gradually—perhaps with short visits focused on companionship or meals—can help your parent feel more comfortable. If you’re hiring a caregiver for in-home help for the first time, this approach gives everyone a chance to adjust naturally.
3. Emphasize Connection
The right caregiver or helper isn’t just someone who completes tasks—they bring presence, conversation, and a sense of familiarity. When care feels personal, it becomes something your parent looks forward to, not just tolerate.
4. Stay Involved
Even after care begins, stay connected with both your parent and the caregiver. Regular check-ins help clarify expectations and ensure the care remains aligned with your loved one’s needs.
Staying involved also shifts your role—you’re no longer just worrying about their health and safety. With a professional caregiver in place, your time with your parent can be more about connection and enjoyment, rather than stress and responsibility.
When You're Ready, We're Here
Supporting an aging parent at home is a journey—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you're starting to explore care options or simply want trusted guidance as your family's needs evolve, our ReadyCare program was designed for moments like these.
ReadyCare offers expert resources to help families:
Understand the types of care available
Plan for in-home support before it's urgent
Connect with a local care team who understands your goals
Whether you're gathering information or preparing to bring in a caregiver or helper, we’re here to help you make thoughtful, confident decisions.
Learn more about ReadyCare and how we can support your next step.