Got a pending interview for a position caring for a senior? Here are 23 crucial questions you should ask during your interview to make sure the employment is a good fit for you.
Regardless of what steps you take to reduce your risk of burnout, fully research your insurance for caregiver to ensure you are covered if things don’t quite go according to plan.
You could be more worried about the interviewer’s questions when you have an interview for a position providing senior care. However, senior care jobs come in a wide variety of forms, and some, like nursing, involve more physical labor than others. It’s important for you to ask questions that will enable you to decide whether the opportunity is a good fit for you, just as they want to know information about you that will enable them to decide if you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
For instance, senior caregivers need to be aware of any specific rules and regulations of an employer, as well as the protocol for visiting clients, the company’s expectations, and the firm’s preferred methods of communication.
Every client has specific needs that you may or may not be equipped to meet. As such, it’s crucial that you find out what will be expected of you in advance of accepting a job.
For instance, the job may require assisting a client who is too heavy for you to lift. If you are not fully trained in the use of a Hoyer lift, which is a device used to move patients to the shower or tub, you may find it difficult to rise to the demands of a position of this nature. Alternatively, the role may involve dispensing medication, which can only be done by a trained nurse.
Here are 23 questions you can ask during an interview to ensure the role of caregiver is a good fit for you.
Basic inquiries regarding the position:
- Will I be required to drive the client to appointments or on errands, etc.? Will I need to use my own car, or will one be provided for me to use?
- How many hours and days would this position require?
- Will the shifts be overnights?
- Is this a long-term or transient position?
- What kind of attire is expected?
- How will I interact with the rest of the caregiver team?
- What are your policies for vacation and sick days?
Inquiries on the client’s demands and healthcare needs
- Is the client able to feed themselves?
- Does the client require assistance with showering?
- Does the customer pose a fall risk?
- Who will I need to call for assistance if a client falls or hurts themselves?
- Will I be required to administer the client’s medication or only reminders to take it? Not all caregivers for seniors have medical certifications, but those who do can dispense or administer medications.
- In the event that I’m required to lift the patient, how much does the patient weigh? Will I need to use a Hoyer lift?
- Has the patient experienced wound problems?
- Does the patient have dementia, and how severe is it?
- Are the patient’s relatives going to be there while I’m working?
Home-related queries:
- Are there animals?
- Do I need to do laundry or clean the house?
- Will you expect me to make dinner? Does the client have any dietary requirements?
- Will I have to pick up my prescriptions or go grocery shopping?
Compensation-related queries:
- What are the salary and perks for this position?
- Will you be providing W-2s?
- How frequently will I get paid?
You may avoid misunderstandings and transition more smoothly to your role later on by making sure these important topics are addressed before you accept a position. Interested in becoming a caregiver? Find out more here.
