When a loved one needs constant assistance, the help of a caregiver can be a valuable solution. When it comes to entrusting a loved one to the care of a caregiver, emotions are intertwined with many practical questions. How do you choose the right person? What are the legal obligations? And how do you maintain a good balance between assistance and family life? Managing a caregiver involves responsibility and requires organization, clarity in relationships and mutual respect. Here are some practical tips to best deal with this experience.

1. Define the needs of the person being cared for
Before even hiring a caregiver, it is important to be clear about the type of assistance needed:

• 24-hour assistance or just a few hours a day?
• personal care (hygiene, nutrition, administration of medications)?
• domestic support (cleaning, cooking, shopping)?

Having a clear picture will help you find the most suitable figure.

2. Choosing the Right Home Carer
Selecting a home care professional is a crucial step. Here are some aspects to consider:
Experience and references: Look for a person with specific experience in the type of assistance needed (elderly people with dementia, disabilities, etc.).

• Empathy and character: Living together requires patience and sensitivity.
• Language and communication: It is important that there is good mutual understanding.
• You can contact specialised agencies or use online portals, but always check the references.

3. Legal and Contractual Aspects
A verbal agreement is not enough: you need a regular contract. If you are based in Italy here are the fundamental elements :

• Type of contract (full-time/part-time, by the hour, live-in)
• Payments should be in accordance with CCNL Colf e Badanti.
• INPS contributions: must be paid regularly
• Holidays, permits and rest periods: these are essential rights

Advice: ask a labor consultant or patronage to help you with managing everything correctly.

4. Communication and Relationship
A good relationship between the family and the caregiver is the key to success:

• Establish clear and shared rules (timetables, tasks, use of spaces)
• Maintain an open and respectful dialogue
• Make the caregiver feel part of the family, without losing sight of roles

5. Respect and Recognition
The home care professional’s work is often emotionally and physically demanding. Showing gratitude, respecting their space and listening to their needs helps create a relationship of trust and collaboration.

6. Daily Management

Good communication is the basis for a peaceful coexistence. Some suggestions:
agree on a daily routine

• leave clear instructions on medications and activities
• keep a diary or agenda to note any changes in the patient’s condition

7. Monitoring and Support
It’s not about “controlling” but about accompanying the process:

• Organise periodic meetings for a comparison
• Observe the well-being of your loved one: it’s the best indicator of the quality of care
• In case of problems, act immediately with clarity and respect
• Download our app Carers Help for concrete help in managing the home carer and coordinating with family members.

8. Dealing with Difficult Moments
There may be misunderstandings or difficulties. In those cases:

• seek a calm and direct confrontation
• involve other family members or the agency if necessary

9. When it’s Time to Change
If you notice signs of disorganisation, frequent tension or neglect, it may be time to reevaluate the collaboration. Changing carer is not a failure, but an act of responsibility. If the relationship does not work, it is better to end it in compliance with the contractual terms