How to Review a Professional Caregiver’s Performance

By Silver Sitters

Regular conversations and practical observations can help a family review home care. Include the person receiving care in that review, respect their privacy and compare the agreed assistance with what is happening day to day.

Review the agreed responsibilities

Keep the care request, schedule and contact details available. Ask who is responsible for each task, how changes are approved and how concerns are reported. Medication or clinical-care changes need the appropriate healthcare professional’s direction.

• Are the agreed visits taking place, with notice of delays or absences?
• Is the requested help with meals, personal routines or household tasks being provided?
• Does the caregiver explain what they are doing and respect the person’s preferences?
• Are changes, missed tasks and concerns communicated to the agreed contact?
• Does the current arrangement still fit the person’s needs and the caregiver’s qualifications?

Ask the provider or registry what oversight, complaint handling and replacement arrangements are included in the agreement. These arrangements can differ. Changes in someone’s health or mood may have several causes and do not, by themselves, prove good or poor care.

Take concerns seriously

Listen calmly and, when safe, speak with the older adult privately. Record their words and your observations without pressuring them for a particular answer. Do not dismiss a report of mistreatment because the person has dementia. Memory difficulties can affect communication, while people with dementia can also experience abuse or neglect.

For a routine service concern, contact the designated manager or care coordinator and ask for a clear response. If the arrangement is unsuitable, discuss a different caregiver or another care option and plan continuity of essential support. Families should not be told to accept an unsuitable arrangement simply to avoid a change.

Act promptly on safety concerns

Call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency. In Florida, report known or suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, available 24 hours a day. You do not need to prove abuse before raising a concern with the appropriate authorities.

A complaint to a care company does not replace reporting suspected abuse. Seek medical help for injuries or urgent health concerns, and avoid confrontation that could put the person at further risk.