What to ask on your video call

Your call is 10 minutes. That is enough time to know if a caregiver feels right for your family. Here is what to ask, and what to say, so the time is well spent.

For families: what to ask

You will not get through all ten. That's fine. This call is about one thing: would I trust this person in my home?

How to use your 10 minutes

  • 10:00–8:00 leftSay hello. Names, and who you care for.
  • 8:00–3:00 leftYour questions. The stuff that matters most.
  • 3:00–1:00 leftSchedule & pay. Days, hours, and rate.
  • 1:00–0:00 leftWrap up. Say what happens next.

Ask these three first — they matter most

  • “Have you cared for someone with needs like ours before? Tell me about one person.”

    Why: a real story beats a resume. You learn skill and warmth in one answer.

  • “What would a normal day with my mom look like?”

    Why: makes them think out loud. You hear whether they've actually done this.

  • “What do you do when she is upset, or says no to you?”

    Why: this is the hardest part of the job. Their answer tells you their patience.

Then the practical ones

  • “What days and what hours can you work?”

  • “What do you charge an hour?”

  • “How would you get to our house? Do you drive?”

If you still have time

  • “What would you do in an emergency? Has one ever happened to you?”

  • “Can I call a family you worked for before?”

  • “Do you have any training, a license, or a CPR card?”

Always end with this one

  • “What would you like to ask me?”

    Why: a caregiver who asks good questions about your mom is a caregiver who will pay attention to her.

For caregivers: what to say

You do not need to be perfect. Families want to see a warm person, not a perfect answer.

Say these things, even if no one asks

  • Your name, and how long you have been a caregiver. ("I'm Maria. I've done this work for nine years.")

  • One story about a person you cared for. Say what you did each day. Stories are what families remember.

  • What you are best at. Pick two things. ("I'm good with memory loss, and I cook.")

  • The days and hours you can work. Be honest. A clear no is better than a maybe.

  • Your hourly rate. Say it plainly. Families expect it.

  • How you would get there. Say if you drive.

  • Ask about their parent. Their name. What they like. What a hard day looks like.

  • Say what happens next. ("If you'd like to move forward, I'm ready to start.")

What the family will probably ask you

  • Have you cared for someone like my mom before?
  • What would a normal day look like?
  • What do you do when she is upset or says no?
  • What days and hours can you work?
  • What do you charge an hour?
  • How would you get here?
  • What would you do in an emergency?
  • Can I call a family you worked for?
  • Do you have training or a license?

Five things that make a good impression

  • Sit in a quiet room. No TV. No music.

  • Put the light in front of you, not behind you. A window in front of your face is best.

  • Prop your phone up so your hands are free. Lean it on a cup or a book.

  • Look at the camera, not at yourself on the screen.

  • Use their parent's name once you hear it. It shows you were listening.

Ready to meet a caregiver? Browse caregivers or read our frequently asked questions.