Be SURE that the people you hire have had some direct care worker training!  I’m saying this because theft and extortion and even abuse can occur.  Even better if you can get yourself some elder abuse training, just so you can spot the signs. Also be sure to remove ALL personal records and important, expensive or even heirloom items.  These people can get pretty crafty in the way they steal, even stealing from closed, stored boxes just so you won’t notice it as gone for some time. 

But worse, there is always the potential for them to not do right by your folks.  I guess this potential exists even with family members, whether intentional or not.  There’s companion homemaker training , too.  But as for total strangers, I don’t even know if they have to be licensed-or if there’s even a license available in this area.  It would be even better if they had to be bonded, like a appraiser or real estate agent does.  And ideally, of course, they speak your parent’s language with clarity.  I feel sorry when the old people can’t understand the very people who provide their personal care.  But most importantly, check these people out.  With so many scams out there in regards to the elderly, it pays to be careful!

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