TIP of the WEEK: Hiring an In-Home Caregiver

Latham Centers

 

Hiring an in home care giver can be an exhausting and frightening process. If you are faced with the need to hire someone to care for your child, here are some things to look for:

1. Keep an open mind. Don’t rule out youth. Young caregivers can be energetic and eager to learn. Experience can be invaluable but do not automatically assume that someone who has worked with special needs children for years is the best for for your child. Meet each person for who they are instead of jumping to  positive or negative conclusions.

2. Take your time. The interview process can and should be lengthy. Phone interviews, face to face and finally an interview where you observe the prospective caregiver interacting with your child should all be part of the process.

3. Trust your gut. If you have someone who fits all of your criteria and has excellent references but something just doesn’t feel right then walk away. You know your child and you know when something feels wrong. Trust yourself.

4. Prepare to train. It is unlikely that you will find anyone with experience with PWS. You will need to train before and during their time with you.

A caregiver can be an invaluable addition to your family. Finding the right one may take time but the rewards of having a trusted carer for your child will have lasting effects for both you and your child.

Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services

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