Respite Provider Screening Questions

The following are sample interview questions to help screen potential respite providers. Consider how much time you will have for questions and answers, and limit your interview questions accordingly. Discuss rates and payment procedures. (If a publicly-funded program determines these, the provider and the family must have this information.)

1. Why are you interested in providing respite care services?
2. Tell us about your education and/or experience as a respite care provider.
3. Do you have CPR, first aid, and/or medication administration training?
4. Do you have any special training or experience you would like me to know about?
5. Have you had any experience caring for a person with (the particular illness or disability of our family member)?
6. Describe your strengths. How would you describe yourself?
7. Why did you leave your last position?
8. What do you like best about this work?
9. What do you like least about this work?
10. How do you believe difficult behaviors should be managed?
11. Would you take my loved one out on activities?
12. Do you have a valid driver’s license? Do you have your own transportation and car insurance?
13. Are you willing to have a criminal background check done?
14. Do you have any health problems that could affect your ability to do this job?
15. Would you be comfortable with changing diapers for adolescents or adults?
16. How would you know if my loved one likes a particular food or activity if he cannot speak?
17. What would you do if we disagreed about something? How shall we give each other feedback?
18. If my loved one had to be taken to the hospital for an emergency, what steps would you take?
19. What would you do if you found a loved one with an open bottle you suspect is poison?
20. What situations make you tense or nervous?
21. Describe a difficult situation you’ve had to handle with a child or an adult. How did you handle it?
22. This position will require that you make independent decisions. Can you give an example of a situation where you made a job-related independent decision?
23. Why are you the right person for the job?
24. Do you smoke?
25. Are you comfortable working with pets in the home?
26. What hours are you able to work? During the day, weekends, holidays? Are there specific times when you are unable to work? How much prior notice do you require before scheduling?

Checklist When Considering a Respite Provider

• Always include the potential care recipient in the screening process if they can participate to ensure that both parties are comfortable and that your family member’s needs are respected.
• Conduct an in-depth interview with each candidate. Screening applicants on the phone should always be followed with a personal interview.
• Be specific about the tasks, skills, and schedules involved.
• Discuss compensation and payment schedules. Do not pay for services in advance.
• Request several work and personal references, and check them carefully. Verify the information provided, and ask all references about reliability, trustworthiness, punctuality, and the care provider's ability to handle stress.
• Ensure a criminal background check is conducted.