Explain your household honestly before testing a helper’s experience. A good match requires both sides to understand the role.
Start with her experience
- Tell me about the people in your previous household.
- What did a normal working day look like?
- Which tasks did you do independently?
- What did you find difficult, and how did you handle it?
Use realistic care scenarios
For childcare, ask how she would respond when a child refuses food or becomes ill. For elderly support, discuss mobility, toileting, medication reminders and when she should seek help. Do not assume domestic experience equals nursing training.
Discuss the actual home
- Number and ages of household members.
- Home size, pets, cooking and dietary expectations.
- Sleeping arrangement, rest days and phone use.
- Language used for daily instructions.
Let the helper ask questions
Invite questions about the children, elderly family members, workload, food, rest, privacy and house rules. Hesitation can reveal an issue worth clarifying before anyone commits.