7 Important Tips for Hiring a Live-in Special Needs Nurse
I attended a talk about how you should select a live-in special need nurse for an elder in a family a few days back. The speaker told us when it is necessary to employ a special need live in caregiver and when a nurse is absolutely necessary.
Important tips for hiring a live-in special nurse:
The first tip is to decide if you want a live-in caretaker or a nurse; if the elder has special needs that are more cognitive or developmental, an experienced and trained caregiver may be all you need, while if your loved one has more pressing medical issues, like a feeding tube or multiple medications, a live-in nurse offers experienced medical skills. You could also opt to hire a skilled worker who has been closely mentored and trained by nurse in the medical procedures required.
Next spend some time to think and decide what the family with the elder actually requires; for example if your family is religious does the caregiver have to share these values and do you not mind if the caregiver is a meat eater. Since the caregiver/nurse is going to live with the family, it is important to mention what is important to them when listing job requirements and job duties.
The next tip is to know where to look for the live-in caretaker/nurse; you could rely on your network of people and resources; ask friends for caregiver recommendations or to spread the word that you are looking for live-in care. Also post your job on reputed websites like www.daycare.sulekha.com and check in with local nursing schools for students or recent grads that might have experience and be interested in a live-in care situation.
Next interview a few applicants first on phone, then in person; invite 2 to 3 applicants to meet your special needs elder at home. It is best to remember that an applicant that has experience in disabilities, may not necessarily have experience in the specific disability of the family member; find out if they understand and are comfortable with the disability.
It is necessary to address whether the full time caregiver of your elder’s special need is the right fit. So ask questions that address more than experience. You could ask the following questions:
Why are you interested in this position?
Why do you think a live-in position is best for you?
Describe how you are empathetic.
Schedule a trial period for the chosen caretaker/nurse and carefully observe how she handles expectations; manages duties involving things like hygiene, toileting, behavior issues, movement, transportation and feeding; maneuvers and maintains necessary equipment, like feeding tubes; deals with a sudden health emergency like a seizure; gets along emotionally with the members of the family and conducts herself in your home.
Lastly have patience; both the caregiver and your family have to make adjustments and compromises. Do not have high expectations, but allow the caretaker/nurse to slowly adjust to your family.
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