"The In-Home Care Interview: 10 Questions That Reveal Everything (Free Checklist Included)"

"She seemed nice enough, but how do I really know if she's the right person to trust with Dad?"

Choosing an in-home caregiver is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your family. The person you select will have access to your parent's home, personal information, and most vulnerable moments. The right questions during the interview process can reveal character, competence, and compatibility—before making a commitment.

Why Most Families Ask the Wrong Questions

Most interviews focus on experience and certifications—important factors, but not the whole picture. The best caregivers combine technical skills with emotional intelligence, patience, and genuine respect for older adults.

Questions that miss the mark:

1. "How long have you been doing this?"
2. "Are you CPR certified?"
3. "What's your availability?"

Questions that reveal character:

1. "Tell me about a time you had to advocate for a client."
2. "How do you handle it when someone doesn't want to accept help?"
3. "What do you do when a client becomes confused or agitated?"

The 10 Questions That Reveal Everything

1. "Describe your ideal client relationship. What does a good day look like?"

What you're listening for: Caregivers who talk about partnership, dignity, and finding joy in small moments. Red flags include those who focus primarily on tasks or see clients as passive recipients of care.

2. "Tell me about a time you disagreed with a family's approach to their loved one's care. How did you handle it?"

What you're listening for: Professional communication skills, respect for family dynamics, and ability to advocate appropriately without overstepping boundaries.

3. "How do you engage someone who seems withdrawn or doesn't want to talk?"

What you're listening for: Patience, creativity, and understanding that engagement looks different for different people. Avoid caregivers who seem to take non-responsiveness personally.

4. "What would you do if you noticed changes in my parent's condition or behavior?"

What you're listening for: Clear protocols for communication, understanding of their scope of practice, and proactive approach to health changes.

5. "How do you maintain someone's dignity during personal care tasks?"

What you're listening for: Specific strategies like explaining what they're doing, maintaining privacy, and involving the person in their own care as much as possible.

6. "Tell me about a challenging situation with a client and how you resolved it."

What you're listening for: Problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and ability to find solutions that work for the individual rather than applying one-size-fits-all approaches.

7. "How do you handle emergencies or urgent situations?"

What you're listening for: Clear emergency protocols, appropriate use of 911 vs. family notification, and calm decision-making under pressure.

8. "What do you do to take care of yourself and avoid burnout?"

What you're listening for: Self-awareness, healthy coping strategies, and understanding that their own well-being affects care quality.

9. "How would you help my parent maintain their independence and continue activities they enjoy?"

What you're listening for: Focus on abilities rather than limitations, creativity in adapting activities, and respect for personal interests and preferences.

10. "What questions do you have for me about my parent or our family?"

What you're listening for: Genuine interest in understanding your parent as an individual, thoughtful questions about preferences and routines, and engagement in the conversation.

Red Flags That Should End the Interview

Immediate Disqualifiers:

1. Cannot provide verifiable references from recent clients
2. Seems uncomfortable discussing specific caregiving scenarios
3. Shows impatience with your questions or rushes through answers
4. Makes promises that sound too good to be true
5. Appears unprepared or unfamiliar with your parent's needs
6. Uses language that's disrespectful toward older adults
7. Cannot explain gaps in employment history

Concerning Responses:

1. "I've never had problems with any clients" (unrealistic)
2. "I just do whatever the family tells me" (lacks initiative)
3. "Old people are so sweet and easy" (shows naivety)
4. "I don't really follow protocols, I just use common sense" (concerning for emergencies)

Beyond the Interview: Trial Periods and Observation

The First Week Strategy:

1. Schedule yourself to be present during initial visits
2. Observe interactions between caregiver and your parent
3. Ask your parent for feedback about comfort level
4. Watch for natural chemistry and communication style

What to Watch For:

1. Does the caregiver speak directly to your parent or only to you?
2. How do they respond to your parent's pace and communication style?
3. Do they show genuine interest in your parent as a person?
4. Are they gentle and patient during care tasks?
5. How does your parent respond to their presence?

Setting Up for Success

Clear Expectations from Day One:

1. Written care plan with specific tasks and preferences
2. Emergency contact information and protocols
3. House rules and boundaries
4. Communication schedule with family
5. Performance evaluation timeline

The Relationship Building Period: Allow 2-4 weeks for relationships to develop. Some initial awkwardness is normal, but both parties should show increasing comfort and familiarity.

When It's Not Working

Signs to Address Quickly:

1. Your parent expresses discomfort or fear
2. Tasks are not completed as discussed
3. Communication breakdowns with family
4. Caregiver seems overwhelmed or frustrated
5. Your instincts tell you something isn't right

The Professional Conversation: Address concerns directly and give opportunity for improvement, but don't hesitate to make changes if issues persist. Your parent's safety and comfort are paramount.

Questions for Care Agencies

If working through an agency rather than hiring independently:

1. "How do you match caregivers with clients?"
2. "What happens if a caregiver isn't a good fit?"
3. "What training do your caregivers receive?"
4. "How do you handle scheduling conflicts or caregiver absences?"
5. "What supervision and quality control measures do you have?"

Find the Perfect Caregiver Match for Your Family

At Geriatric Care Solution, we've already done the screening, training, and vetting process. Our caregivers are matched to clients based on personality, interests, and specific care needs—not just availability.

📞 Download our FREE Caregiver Interview Checklist and schedule your consultation at GeriatricCareSolution.com

Skip the guesswork and get matched with pre-screened, trained caregivers who are perfect for your parent's unique needs and personality.