HealthBridge's In-Home Care Blog

Each year when college football season begins, I find myself wondering which college quarterback will be the next big thing in the NFL.  Could Colt McCoy be the next Troy Aikman?  No matter how much they achieve in college, it seems nearly impossible to predict their future success in the NFL. 

In an article for the New Yorker, Malcolm Gladwell describes what he calls the "quarterback problem."  He says, "there are certain jobs where almost nothing you can learn about candidates before they start predicts how they'll do once they're hired."

He's right.  Especially, for NFL quarterbacks.  There's a Heisman Trophy winner every year, but every pro team is always looking for the next Roger Staubach.  Why are they so hard to find?

This hiring problem happens with caregivers too.

Caregivers can have outstanding references and wonderful experience.  They can be technically skilled and answer every interview question right.  But, if they don't get along with mom and dad, what's the point?

Here are a few tips to ensure you can avoid the caregiver quarterback problem and find a wonderful caregiver for your parents:

1. Meet the Caregiver.   Arrange a time for a couple of potential caregivers to visit your parents' home.  Have them spend time together, not only chit chatting, but also doing activities they'll do on the job.  The expression "it's easier said than done" often applies to caregiver duties.  For instance, it's easier to say you can prepare meals than to prepare them. 
   
   For more tips on meeting the caregivers, check out this article.  We'd be happy to arrange as many caregiver meetings as you'd like to make sure your parents are happy.  
   
   
2. Ask the Right Questions.  It's tough to interview anyone, but it's especially tough to interview caregivers.  Caregivers have warm and friendly personalities that make them easy to like.  They are affectionate, affable and willing to work hard to make your parents happy. 
   
   The thing is, the attributes that make caregivers exceptional may not be what you think.  Here at HealthBridge, we prioritize initiative and a customer service focus.  We also require commitment to caregiving as a career and eloquence. Read this article to learn more about what we look for in great home health caregivers. 
    
3. Plan for Success.  I remember my high school English teacher had a poster in her classroom that said, "If you fail to plan you plan to fail."  As much as I would have hated to admit it in high school, she was right.  Every employee benefits from planning and guidance and this is especially true for caregivers. 
   
   Creating a meaningful plan of care that is specific and timely will make all the difference.  A good plan of care will ensure that your parents' needs are met and it will give you a tool by which to measure your caregiver.  Stick to the plan to be successful.  Check this article out on how to ensure a good start with elder home care.  

It's tough to predict a caregiver's future success, but if you follow these tips, you'll find a winner. 

It's tough to talk to your parents about elder care. 

After you read this free elder care guide, you'll have all to tools you need to make your conversation successful. 

Image credit:  ktylerconk