• Help the worker become acquainted with your loved one. It takes time to build a relationship, and you can help smooth the process by providing as much information as possible.

• Trust your feelings. If you feel that a careworker may not be suitable, your feelings are probably right. You should be comfortable with the home care worker from the outset. If your instincts tell you that something is not right, it's a best to follow that hunch

• Require any home care worker to keep you informed of any important details of communication or appointments with medical providers.

• Consider using an expert. Hiring a geriatric care manager can remove some of the burden of finding suitable home care for your loved one. A geriatric care manager can assess your loved one's needs and help you find a careworker who will best suit your circumstances.

• Don't choose someone based on cost alone. Hiring a person to provide home care solely on cost may is not wise. Training and experience may cost a little more, but are well worth the added cost for your peace of mind and the well being of your loved one.

• Don't allow hired caregivers to make important decisions. Only the person receiving care should make decisions regarding health care, accounting and finances. If the care receiver is no longer able to make important decisions, you should make those decisions.

• Don't allow in home care providers to overstep their boundaries. Caregivers can become very important people in your loved one's lives. But, they should not be allowed to make decisions without consulting you.

• Clearly, no caregiver should be allowed access to bank accounts with large sums of money.

Always remember the home care agency and caregiver works for you. If at any time you are concerned about the care, an attitude, punctuality, or trustworthiness, you can and should act quickly.