My brother-in-law, who has advanced Parkinson's, recently hired a caregiver who then moved in with him. His brother and I don't know anything about her -- even her last name. Is there a legal way to do a background check on someone?
I agree with ladeeM, how could you even hire a caregiver with out knowing her full name? Taxes, etc need this. I think this is pretty easy these days, my hubby even checked our daughter's dates! If you are using an agency they do this, if you are hireing privately you should already have her cell phone, SS # etc.Some people just make things so hard!
Or you can simply ask her for her last name... if she has nothing to hide, she should be very forthcoming with you.....an honest approach may get you better results....
If you don't know her last name, it would be very difficult. Get her cell phone number, her license plate number, see if she's on any kind of social media. Check the incoming mail for a name. Try to get a picture of her, find out names of her family through casual conversation.
Where I worked, the manager would work with the client to find someone who was available and also compatible with the client. They did also do background checks. As a client, you should think about what you do and don't want in a caregiver. Talkative? funny, serious? A good cook or a good, slow steady driver? Someone of your religion or close to your age or young and bouncy? Be as honest and detailed as possible. What qualities are "deal breakers" and what are "nice to have?"
After the caregiver is placed with you, if you aren't satisfied, the agency should try to make a substitution without any hard feelings. It's very personal to have someone come into your home and be there for hours. Not everybody is to a person's taste, and few things are perfect, but you should be comfortable overall.
Good luck! The people who choose this work are mostly kind, loving people, so I believe you will be OK.
Can an elderly person come to your office and get information on persons available for part time positions then select the person most fitting to their situation.
Can an elderly person come to your office and get information on persons available for part time positions then select the person most fitting to their situation.
You can get someone to do it on the internet. You would need her last name. I saw a few that say it costs $20.
In Massachusetts, you can do what's called a CORI check with the permission of the person. You need their SSN and date of birth and several addresses. I think most states have a similar criminal history or criminal records check available from the state, and I think the charge in MA is $25 to $50.
After the caregiver is placed with you, if you aren't satisfied, the agency should try to make a substitution without any hard feelings. It's very personal to have someone come into your home and be there for hours. Not everybody is to a person's taste, and few things are perfect, but you should be comfortable overall.
Good luck! The people who choose this work are mostly kind, loving people, so I believe you will be OK.
In Massachusetts, you can do what's called a CORI check with the permission of the person. You need their SSN and date of birth and several addresses. I think most states have a similar criminal history or criminal records check available from the state, and I think the charge in MA is $25 to $50.