Like other major decisions in life, finding a carer takes time, careful consideration and planning. Carers are qualified individuals who can assist you or a loved one with daily living activities, medical support for those experiencing illnesses and provide companionship. Meeting the right carer can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life.

With support from the right care professional, individuals can access the right type of health care they need to live comfortably and independently. To discover how you can find the right carer for you, read our guide and get it right the first time.

What is a care professional?

A care professional is usually a qualified professional who provides a range of health-related services to help individuals live as independently and safely as possible. Care professionals who are paid, are trained to assist with daily tasks such as administering medication, dressing wounds, cooking meals, cleaning the house, providing transportation support, companionship and a range of other activities that are required.

Family members or friends who provide assistance with daily living activities on a volunteer basis can also be referred to as ‘caregivers’.

Different types of care professionals

Before you can select the right type of care professional for you or a loved one, it’s important to differentiate the different types of care professionals.

The different types of care professionals will depend on the range of qualifications and areas of expertise. Some of the most common types of care professionals include:

Home Health Aides

A care professional is known as a home health aide when they provide in-home care services to seniors or individuals with disabilities who live at home. Home health aides assist people with daily living activities in the comfort of their own home. These activities may include assistance with bathing, cooking, cleaning, gardening or dressing. Home health aides can also provide Companionship and emotional care to people who live at home.

Tip: If you’re a senior considering support in your home, learn more about home care support here: Home care support for seniors: A Beginners guide

Registered Nurses

These types of care professionals require the right type of credentials and experience to be qualified as a registered nurse as the role requires a higher level of medical expertise and training. Some of the daily tasks that a registered nurse performs can include injections and managing medication.

Certified Nursing Assistants

Certified Nursing Assistants provide medical care services such as taking vital signs, administering medication, and changing wound dressings.  A Nursing Assistant provides care to patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities. They work directly under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

If you or a loved one requires medical attention on an ongoing basis, seeking help from a certified nursing assistant or nursing aide can be a suitable option.

Physical Therapists or Occupational Therapists 

People may seek support from a physical therapist or occupational therapist if they require support to regain strength or mobility after an injury or surgery. Physical therapists can use a variety of techniques to help people improve their movement and mobility or manage physical pain.

Occupational therapists assist individuals with activities of daily living and work with them to improve their fine motor skills and cognitive abilities.

Benefits of selecting a care professional

Are you on the fence about searching for a care professional?

There are many physical and emotional benefits to selecting a care professional for you or a loved one. Some of the benefits of selecting a care professional includes:

• Support to enjoy an improved quality of life
• Peace of mind knowing a qualified care professional is available to assist
• Companionship and check-ins
• Support with medical needs such as injections or needles
• Safety and security knowing that a care professional can prevent accidents or injuries.

With the help of a consistent care professional on hand, you will have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is being taken care of by someone with the right qualifications and experience.

What determines a ‘good’ care professional?

The most important thing to look for in a care professional is reliability.

Care professionals are entrusted to care for an individual who may experience vulnerabilities or health limitations. A reliable care professional will also demonstrate key traits such as:

• Arriving or showing up on an agreed time: Care professionals who fail to show up when they say they will, can be a detriment and potentially dangerous to someone who may rely on a care professional for critical support. Being able to rely and trust on a care professional is a key trait to look out for.

• Clear and considerate communication skills: A good care professional will be Able to communicate clearly. This involves listening carefully, responding appropriately to questions and explaining treatment plans to all stakeholders involved.

• Kindness and empathy: A good care professional should also be able to interact with you or a loved one with kindness and empathy, and explain things without being condescending or patronizing toward either party involved in the conversation.

• Experience: Care professionals who provide home health services for patients suffering from terminal illnesses may require specific experience as certain types of conditions can require specific skill sets and change rapidly over time.

Tips for finding the right carer

Understand your own needs

The first step to finding the right carer for you or a loved one is to assess your needs and context.

Determine the type of care you need, such as home health care, medical care, or physical therapy. Understanding your specific needs will help you narrow down your search and find the right type of care professional.

Do your research

Once you have specified the type of care professional you need, it’s time to start researching.

Before choosing a care professional, it’s essential to do your research to ensure that you find the right match for your needs. Here are some types of things you should look out for during the research phase:

• Credentials and qualifications: It’s essential to verify a potential care professional’s experience, credentials and qualifications for the type of care you require. For example, a registered nurse may be better suited for medical care than a home health aide.
• Ask for referrals – Ask your friends, family members, or healthcare provider for referrals. They may be able to recommend a care professional who has provided excellent care in the past.
• Do a Google search: A quick Google search may return relevant reviews and ratings. Check online reviews and ratings to see what other people have to say about the care professional. Websites such as Google Reviews may provide valuable information about the care professional’s quality of care, reliability, and professionalism.
• Conduct interviews: Schedule interviews that can be formal or informal, to see if they are a good fit. An Interview can be a phone call or face-to-face meeting. During the interview, ask questions about their experience, qualifications, and availability. This will help you determine if they are the right fit for your needs and personality.
• Ask about background checks: Verify that the care professional has undergone relevant background checks, including criminal and reference checks. If there are children involved, it is best to ask about a Working With Children Check. If your daily needs involve driving, don’t forget to confirm a care professional has a valid Driver’s License for your state of residence.
• Understand pricing and payment options: Avoid miscommunication by clarifying the pricing and payment options that the care professional offers. Understanding the pricing structure will help you determine if they fit within your budget. Ensure any agreements are finalised in writing.

Set realistic expectations

Be clear about expectations and needs you have for a care professional. Are you looking for companionship or someone to support you with your health goals? Do you prefer privacy or do you enjoy talking to others?

Whatever your unique goals are for hiring a care professional, ensure you set realistic expectations to avoid being disappointed.

It’s equally important for a care professional to also know what your expectations and goals are during your time working together.

Make sure they understand what kind of support you need from them as well as how much time it will take away from other responsibilities like work or school. This will help ensure that both parties are on the same page when deciding whether or not this is going to be a good fit for everyone involved.

Questions to ask a care professional

Before finalising your agreement with a care professional, here are some important questions to consider.

Four questions to ask yourself or a loved one before meeting a care professional: 

1. What are my goals for hiring a care professional and do they align with my goals?
2. Do I feel comfortable with this person?
3. Do I trust them to provide the care needed?
4. How long do I require care for?

Questions to ask before hiring a care professional: 

1. What experience, licenses and/or qualifications do you have?
2. What methods do you use to provide care?
3. What is your experience in providing care for someone with my condition?
4. Are you available to work the hours and days that I need you?
5. What are your rates, and how do you charge for your services?
6. What are your references, and may I speak with them?

It’s essential to take the time to ask these questions and any others that may be specific to your situation. Additionally, make sure you feel comfortable with the care professional, and don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions or clarify any concerns you may have

Tip: The most common mistakes when hiring a care professional are a lack of research, not asking enough questions or setting clear expectations. Don’t forget to ask these important questions.

What to do if you choose the ‘wrong’ care professional?

Despite your best efforts, a care professional you select may not be the right fit for you and your needs at the time. If this occurs, practicing clear communication can help alleviate any miscommunication. Here are some additional steps you can take:

• Communicate your concerns: It’s important to communicate your concerns with the care professional and give them an opportunity to address them.
• Re-evaluate your needs: If a care professional is unable to meet your needs or you are unsatisfied with their support, it may be time to re-evaluate your needs and find a professional who can meet your unique needs at the time.
• Consider terminating the relationship: If you feel that the care professional is not the right fit, it’s okay to terminate the relationship, and find a new professional. Don’t feel guilty, rather make sure to communicate with your care professional in a respectful manner and ask for their feedback to help you choose a future care professional.
• Report any concerns: If you have any concerns about the care professional’s conduct or services, report them to the appropriate authorities. This can help ensure that others do not have a similar experience.