Choosing the right in-home caregiver for your loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It’s not just about finding someone who can provide the necessary assistance—it’s about ensuring they are trustworthy, compassionate, and capable of fostering a safe and supportive environment.

One of the most effective ways to gauge a caregiver’s suitability to provide home care for your family is by checking their references. This step provides insight into their work ethic, reliability, and compatibility with your family’s needs. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to check references and what questions to ask to make an informed decision.

Why Checking References Matters

References offer a window into a caregiver’s past performance and character. They can confirm whether the caregiver has the skills, experience, and temperament required for your loved one’s care. Additionally, references help verify details about their previous roles and provide reassurance that they’ve successfully worked with other families or employers in similar situations.

For families working with independent caregivers or those not affiliated with a professional facilitator like Clara, reference checks are especially critical. Clara simplifies this process by thoroughly vetting caregivers before connecting them with families, saving you time and ensuring peace of mind.

How to Request References

When interviewing potential caregivers, always ask for references upfront. Ideally, these should include:

• Previous employers (families or organizations they’ve worked for).

• Clients they’ve cared for directly.

• Supervisors who can attest to their professional conduct.

If the caregiver hesitates or cannot provide references, consider it a red flag. A trustworthy caregiver should be willing and able to share contact information for individuals who can vouch for their abilities.

Questions to Ask When Checking References

When speaking with references, it’s important to ask thoughtful questions that reveal more than surface-level information. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Work Performance

• Can you describe the caregiver’s responsibilities while working with you?

• Did they meet expectations regarding punctuality and reliability?

• Were there any specific tasks they excelled at or struggled with?

2. Personality and Compatibility

• How would you describe their demeanor? Were they patient and kind?

• Did they maintain a good relationship with the person they were caring for?

• Were there any challenges in communication or compatibility?

3. Problem-Solving Skills

• How did they handle emergencies or unexpected situations?

• Were they proactive in addressing concerns or adapting to changing needs?

4. Specific Skills

• Did they have experience with medical conditions similar to those of your loved one (e.g., dementia care)?

• Were they certified in CPR or other relevant qualifications? (You can read more about the differences between caregiving certifications here).

5. Overall Impression

• Would you hire them again? Why or why not?

• Is there anything else I should know about their work ethic or character?

These questions help paint a comprehensive picture of the caregiver’s abilities and personality, allowing you to assess whether they’re the right fit for your family.

Additional Tips for Reference Checks

Verify Employment History

Cross-check the caregiver’s resume or application details with the information provided by references. This ensures accuracy and helps confirm their experience level.

Ask for Written Reviews

If possible, request written reviews from past clients or employers. These documents can provide additional insights into their work quality.

Consider Recent References

Focus on references from recent employers or clients rather than older ones. This ensures you’re getting feedback relevant to their current skills and capabilities.

Questions to Ask During Interviews

In addition to checking references, asking direct questions during interviews is crucial for evaluating a caregiver’s suitability. Here are some examples:

Experience and Certifications

• What is your experience working with individuals who have [specific condition]?

• Are you CPR/AED certified? Can you assist in emergencies like choking incidents?

Cultural Compatibility

• Are you comfortable working with someone who follows specific religious or cultural practices?

• Are you bilingual? If so, what languages do you speak?

Communication Style

• How do you communicate concerns or updates about daily progress?

• How would you handle disagreements if the care relationship isn’t working smoothly after a few weeks?

These questions help identify whether the caregiver has both the technical skills and interpersonal qualities needed for effective care.

How Clara Can Help

Navigating the process of finding and vetting caregivers can be overwhelming—but Clara is here to help. Clara connects families with vetted caregivers who have already undergone background checks. This means you can focus on building a relationship with your caregiver rather than worrying about administrative details.

Clara also manages payroll, taxes, and liability insurance, ensuring that everything is handled professionally while saving families 20–40% on in-home care costs compared to traditional options. By choosing Clara as your facilitator for in-home care services, you gain access to trusted caregivers who are ready to provide compassionate support tailored to your loved one’s needs.

Interested in learning more about Clara? Schedule a call or head to our website.