Interview Questions for Hiring a Private Caregiver

A caregiver interview should test judgment, reliability, communication, and fit with the care recipient's needs. Do not rely only on warmth or availability. Ask practical scenario questions.

Core questions

• What types of care have you provided before?
• Which tasks are you comfortable doing and which are outside your training?
• How do you handle refusal of bathing, meals, or medication reminders?
• What would you do after a fall?
• How do you document each shift?
• What is your availability, and how much notice do you need for schedule changes?

References and records

Ask for references, certifications, identity verification, and background-check permission where allowed. Families should also review household employment rules before assuming the caregiver is an independent contractor. The IRS explains household employment in Publication 926.

Use YouRetire tools

Use the caregiver cost calculator before interviewing so pay expectations are realistic. After choosing a caregiver, use the caregiver agreement generator to define duties and boundaries.