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A
atboya Asked October 2023

Hard to find good competent caregivers for parents, one with Alzheimer's.

My siblings and I have had the hardest time finding good and competent caregivers for our parents. One parent has Alzheimer's and the other has COPD and other health issues. We have tried numerous agencies in the local area. We have 3 independent caregivers that are great but need 1 or 2 more for a few more shifts. Is there a retired nurses forum here or maybe facebook or somewhere to take a look at? Where does everyone find their caregivers that are reliable and competent? I tried Care.com but no luck either they don't get back to me or don't have the hours we need even some refuse to send references, which is a red flag to me.

Fawnby Oct 2023
You might need to consider moving them to facility care where they have 24/7 caregivers. It would be better for them and easier for you. Otherwise you go on and on and on and on and on like this. Nothing wrong with quitting something that isn’t working.

olddude Oct 2023
Home care doesn't work. Trying to fill empty shifts will be a never-ending battle. Eventually the stress will burn you out. And you are taking care of 2 people, which is 10 times harder.

Start searching for a NH to put both parents in. They have nurses on staff.

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Grandma1954 Oct 2023
2 of the absolute best caregivers I found were ones that had recently gone through the CNA certification program at our local Community College.
They were waiting for the Nursing Program to begin and I said I would work with their class schedule.
But many completing the CNA program are not wanting to continue and will be looking for CNA jobs.
I can tell you that I bet 90% would rather work for or with 1 or 2 people in a home setting rather than in a facility or a hospital.

Hothouseflower Oct 2023
We found wonderful
people on Nextdoor. We hired them independent of an agency. You will need to check references. They were great. There are good people out there. The good ones don’t want to be exploited by working for an agency.
NeedHelpWithMom Oct 2023
It is so sad that those who work for agencies make so little money. We were fortunate that the majority of our agency workers were good.

The last woman who helped at my home was very competent and also very caring. My mother and I were both pleased.
NeedHelpWithMom Oct 2023
I had help from an agency. Fortunately, we had great help.

You mentioned wanting a retired nurse. Have you considered hiring a nursing student?

A friend of mine needed help with her adult son with special needs. She hired a university student who was majoring in special education.

Many students are looking for ways to earn extra income. You could try calling the nursing schools in your area to see if you can leave your information on a community bulletin board.

Best wishes to you.

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