How to choose a maid for elderly care

Caring for an ageing parent at home is a labour of love, and it can also be exhausting. A domestic helper with the right experience can support your parent’s daily life and give the whole family more peace of mind.

Choosing that helper takes a little more thought than hiring for general housework. Here is how to approach it.

Start with an honest picture of your parent’s needs

Talk as a family, and with your parent’s doctor if possible. Consider:

• Mobility. Can your parent walk independently, with a walking aid, or do they need help to transfer from bed to chair?
• Personal care. Do they need help with bathing, dressing, toileting or eating?
• Memory and behaviour. Is there forgetfulness, confusion or dementia?
• Night-time. Do they wake often at night, or need checking on?
• Diet. Are there dietary restrictions, such as low-sugar or soft food?
• Medication. Will the helper need to give reminders according to a schedule you set?

Know the limits of a domestic helper

A domestic helper is not a nurse. She can assist with daily living and companionship, but medical tasks — wound care, injections, tube feeding, managing complex conditions — need trained healthcare professionals. If your parent’s needs are mainly medical, discuss nursing or caregiver options with their doctor.

Look for the right experience

On a biodata, look beyond “elderly care” as a tick-box. Ask:

• How long did she care for an elderly person, and how old were they?
• Was the person mobile or bed-bound?
• Did she help with bathing, lifting or transfers?
• Has she cared for someone with dementia?

Experience caring for a grandparent at home in her own country can be valuable too, so ask about it.

Personality matters as much as skills

Elderly care calls for patience, gentleness and good observation. During the interview, notice how she talks about the people she cared for. Does she speak warmly? Does she notice small changes in mood or health?

Language is especially important. Your parent should be able to communicate with the helper comfortably. Consider which language or dialect your parent speaks best.

Questions to ask at interview

• “Tell me about a typical day caring for your previous employer’s parent.”
• “What would you do if my mother fell?”
• “How did you help an elderly person who did not want to eat or bathe?”
• “Have you cared for anyone who was forgetful or confused? How did you manage?”
• “Are you comfortable helping with toileting and bathing?”

Our guide on how to interview a domestic helper has more general interview tips.

Prepare your home and your plan

• Install grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom where possible
• Keep a written daily schedule, including meals and medication reminder times
• List emergency contacts and your parent’s doctor clearly
• Show her how to use any mobility aids correctly
• Agree on how she will update you during the day

Plan for her wellbeing too

Elderly care can be emotionally and physically demanding. Make sure she gets her rest times and rest day as agreed in her contract, and check in with her regularly. A helper who feels respected and rested provides better care.

Learn more about our elderly care maid service.