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cna for 13 yrs. now i care for my mom only. Why are you in this line of work? is it just to make a check,which is ok , but ,do you feel the cna has a careing heart after talking awhile you should know. Caring heart is good i feel cause i have wk with cna that leave me asking myself if they have a heart at all. Next ask, have you been someone personal aid? if you can call that person family. God be with you on this search.
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The Family Caregiver Association has some excellent advice on hiring in-home help at http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=407

The article includes developing the job description, the contract, interview questions, etc. Good luck in your search!
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I have been doing caregiving work for over 10 years now. I would diffently ask what illnesses they have worked with. Most of my clients have had dementia. So I prefer to take clients like that.
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When my Mom had her hip replaced, an aid came to help her with daily routines. One thing that she did not like much is that it was a different aid everyday. I don't know if it is different with long term care, but if it is through an agency, you might ask how often they rotate. I think familiarity would be important to someone receiving regular care.
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I agree that you should ask about what illness' they are familiar with. Experience I believe is a must. I worked in the home health field for many years,mostly with geriatric dementia related patients. And let me tell you that the experience has paid off alot with me now solely looking after my mom with dementia. Without that knowledge I would be lost . Also, I would observe the interaction between the CNA and the person that needs care to see if there is some chemistry. If there is a bond the person that needs care will get the best care. Anyone in this field should be willing to answer whatever you ask, your putting your loved one in there hands and the CNA will understand that. Also, get references from the families they helped as well as work reference. EX: If the employer never got complaints about the CNA, they will say they was a good worker. However, the family might have a different perspective of the CNA's job performance. With privacy acts the CNA might not want to disclose patient information, but maybe they can give you a number for a family member of patient that you can talk to. You can do background checks on the potential CNA. Remember an A++ background check doesn't always guarentee an A++ worker.A family member of mine that had a business learned that the hard way.
Good luck with your interview. Hopefully, you score the first time around. Follow you gut feeling.
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I wouls ask as adviced about experience.. Ask if this person has a personal philosphy they live by( this could indicate what type of person you are dealing with) get referances and check do a background and criminal check... Appearance I think also makes a differance... if they come dirty smelly and grubby you don't want that....
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Everything and make sure you get personal references which she or he has worked for and verify this is not a friend answering the phone. All the things you are expecting to be done as laundry, general cleaning, shopping, bath or showers, daily clothes changing, feeding if required, cooking what kind of food does she or he cook. IMake sure they are not just looking for companion job. Make list, menu's, daily assignments. You are your family members advocate and voice so if they don't fit your requirements then look more. Ask at chuch or call friends who have had hospice and get names. I made list and found some people only cook tv dinners that's cooking to them. Shopping give instruction as to what is needed and make them provide receipts we found that they shopped for their personal food as well and paid for it with the money. Make a list and have them complete requested assignments just like at a nursing home or hospital. Use a daily calendar has lots of note space and have them write what happen that day from start of shift till leaving. Which should include what they ate, shower, laundry, house cleaning while patient naps, ANY and ALL FALLS to be reported any and all CUTS AND BRUISES reported and medication taken, #1 stop in and check do not give warning just check on family member to see that all what you agreed to. If you feel something is just not right your probably right. Don't feel pressured into hiring someone. Also check into nursing students who are going to school. You can also make a contract your expectation and both signs as to fees and what is expected. Remember your family member ask them to be part of the process if they can or ask question about how their day was so you know this is the right person for your family member. Good Luck.
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1-It's illegal to ask if they care for children or grandchildren so you should have pictures in the house of the kids and when they ask then in a friendly way you can ask about theirs. I would not recommend hiring an aide who cares for kids because they typically need more time off for "emergencies" school breaks and illness.
2- Where do they live and what is their form of transportation. If they live too far away then getting to the job may be a problem. If they take a bus then know that there will be delays. If their car is old, be prepared for breakdowns.
3-Give them some scenarios and see how they respond such as if mom doesn't want to go for her walk what you do? How will you handle (fill in the blank)...?
4- Have a no cell phone use rule except for emergencies!
5- Clearly spell out what the duties are.
6- If they are providing meals for mom will they be able to make them to moms satisfaction (cooking skills vary).
7- If you have animals is the aide afraid or allergic?
8- If mom really likes her overtime will she be able to increase her hours? Can she sleep over if need be?.
9- Make sure she can read English. Not everyone is literate. Give her a RX bottle and ask if she is familiar with the medication and dosage.
The list I use is pretty long and I could keep on going.... know that it is a tough job market and that people are not always truthful. Make sure to check their references in ALL states (people move around a lot and reinvent themselves).
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Thank you all. We had the basic questions but I wanted more. And, this was exactly what I was looking for. So, thank you again!
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Some of the answers here remind me of "The Help"- where the white ladies talk about the their "colored maids" in the sixties. CNAs are human beings- not dirty, illiterate people who might steal your sterling silver when you turn your back on them.When you interview them, please don't hold those assumptions or suspicions. Decide what is most important to you in a caregiver. Do you want someone who is stronger in their clinical skills, or their bedside manner? I will tell you that as a CNA, I do my best work when the family acknowledges and respects me - I like feeling that I'm part the team. It's intimate work, and it's an honor to be treated like a family member. Then I work really hard, because I don't want to let the family down.
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