Find the right caregiver in 5 steps - quickly and transparently
Life can change from one moment to the next. One second everything seems fine, but then suddenly everything is different. You are faced with the urgent need to find a carer for yourself or a loved one.
That's exactly what happened to Roland. His 75-year-old mother, Rosa, was living alone in a small apartment when she had a serious fall. From one day to the next, she was dependent on care throughout.
Roland had a full-time job, three children and a Labrador - the strain was enormous. He wanted his mother to be able to stay at home, but didn't know how to organize this. So much to do, but so little time. What's more, he quickly realized that finding a carer wasn't just about qualifications - it was about finding someone who understood and respected Rosa's needs and way of life.
If you're in a similar situation, don't worry. With the right approach, you can find a caregiver who is reliable, compassionate and suitable for your needs. In this guide, we'll take you through five essential steps to make the process easier, faster and less stressful. Care advice: support in choosing the right caregiver
How to find the perfect caregiver - Simple & Stress-free
Step 1 - Recognize your needs
Every person has individual needs that must be taken into account when choosing a caregiver. Does your relative need support with daily taskssuch as cooking, dressing or personal hygiene? Or is it about emotional support and companionship?
Think about routines and activities that should be maintained. Roland knew, for example, that his mother loved her Saturday coffee round. A caregiver should help her continue to attend.
Important questions:
- Will medical support or just everyday help needed?
- Is a 24-hour care required or is a few hours a day enough?
- Are there special needs like Dementia Care or reduced mobility support?
- Is social interaction important?
Step 2 - Reconciling costs and competence
The search for a caregiver can be expensive and time-consuming if not done strategically. Many families get lost in countless options - from private ads to agencies with high placement fees.
With noracares you can find the right caregiver quickly and transparently - thanks to intelligent matching technology, without hidden costs or long waiting times. Comparison of care costs & options
Step 3 - Choose not just by qualification, but by personality
Professional qualifications are important - but an emotional connection is just as crucial. A great caregiver is not only experienced, but also empathetic and understanding.
Roland found out that his first caregiver was highly qualified, but lacked the warmth and care that Rosa needed. So he had to search again - this time focusing on the personal fit.
What you should pay attention to:
- Experience & Education: Medical knowledge, certificates and experience in nursing.
- Empathy & Patience: ability to respond emotionally to the patient's needs.
- Reliability & Trustworthiness: Someone you can rely on.
- Compatibility: Does the caregiver match the personality of your Relatives?
Step 4 - Look for an empathetic connection
A caregiver spends many hours with the person being cared for. A trusting relationship is therefore essential.
Questions about the assessment:
- Is the nurse listening attentively and showing genuine interest?
- Is the person being cared for treated with respect and valued?
- Does the nurse respond patiently to difficult situations?
Step 5 - Be open to change
Sometimes a caregiver is not the right fit - and that's okay. It's important to be open to a change if the chemistry isn't right.
Roland initially thought the first caregiver was ideal, but realized after a few weeks that the interpersonal connection was missing. With noracares, the change was uncomplicated and stress-free.
How much does a home care worker cost?
The cost of a caregiver varies depending on:
Type of care:
- Hourly care: Here we charge per hour. The costs can be between 20 and 40 euros per hour, depending on the region and qualifications of the caregiver.
- 24-hour care: With this form of care, the caregiver lives in the household of the person being cared for. The costs for this are higher and can be between 2,500 and 4,500 euros per month.
- Specialized care: for people with special needs, such as dementia, the costs may be higher due to the specialist knowledge required.
Qualification of the nurse:
- Caregivers with a higher qualification, for example a completed training as a nursing assistant or qualified nurse, are generally more expensive than caregivers without formal training.
Caregiver experience:
- Experienced nursing staff who have been working in nursing for many years can also charge higher hourly rates.
Region:
- The cost of caregivers can vary by region. In urban areas, prices are often higher than in rural areas.
Additional services:
- If additional services such as shopping, accompaniment to medical appointments or household assistance are required, these costs may be incurred in addition.
Price overview (approximate):
- Hourly care: 20-40 € per hour
- 24-hour care: 2.500-4,500 € per month
- Hourly care: 60-90€ per hour
- Specialized caregivers (e.g. for lung machines):" dir="ltr" aria-level="1; e.g. for lung machines): Higher hourly rate
Important notes:
These are approximate figures only. The actual costs may vary. It is advisable to obtain several quotes and compare the prices and services of the various providers on noracares.
In Austria, it is possible to apply for care allowance to reduce the costs of care. Information on this can be obtained from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Nora's recommendation: To get precise information about the costs of a caregiver in your region, I recommend that you contact the caregiver directly. They can provide you with individual offers that are tailored to your specific needs.
Choosing a caregiver is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself or your loved ones. It's not just about finding a helping hand - it's about choosing a trusted person who will be integrated into everyday life, provide emotional support and ensure safety and well-being.
We know that this process can seem overwhelming, especially when you are suddenly faced with the need to organize care. But with the right information and a clear roadmap, you can make an informed decision. This guide has shown you what to look out for, what steps to take and how to find a caregiver who is both professional and human.
The platform noracares makes this process much easier by connecting you with vetted, experienced caregivers - transparently, quickly and with no hidden costs. We are at your side so that you are not alone in this important phase.
Whether you are looking for 24-hour care, hourly support or a caregiver for special needs - there is a suitable solution for every situation. Make sure to clearly define your expectations, understand your loved one's needs and take the time to make the right choice.
Your family deserves the best care - and with noracares you can find it quickly, easily and safely. Start your search now and discover the best care for your loved ones! Your well-being and that of your loved ones comes first - start your search now with noracares.
This white paper can be printed out and used as a practical guide. It provides a concise overview of the key steps to finding a suitable caregiver - ideal for families facing this important decision.
FAQ 2 :
- 24-hour-care: form of care in which a Caregiver lives in the household around the clock and provides support.
- Ambulatory care: Care services provided by professionals at home without the person receiving care having to move into a facility.
- Caregiver: A person who performs supportive household tasks but does not perform medical activities.
- Dementia care: Specialized care for people with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's or other dementias.
- Basic care: Help with everyday activities such as personal hygiene, dressing, eating and mobility.
- Home care: Care and support that takes place in the cared-for person's own four walls.
- Medical care: Activities such as medication administration, wound care and blood glucose monitoring, which are carried out by a qualified nurse.
- Care history: Recording and assessing a person's care needs to ensure individualized care.
- Nursing Assistant: professional field with basic nursing training that provides support for nursing professionals.
- Nursing: Financial support for people in need of care to cover care costs.
- Grade of care/level of care: Classification of care needs, which determines which benefits a person in need of care receives.
- Nurse: Qualified specialist who performs nursing and often also medical tasks.
- Palliative care: Caring for seriously ill people with the aim of maintaining their quality of life and alleviating pain.
- Senior Care: Support for older people who need help in everyday life but do not necessarily require medical care.
- Ministry of Social Affairs care allowance: State support benefit for people in need of care in Austria, which can be applied for under Ministry of Social Affairs care allowance.
- Preventive Care:Short-term care for people in need of care when the regular caregiver is temporarily unavailable.
- Caregiver referral platform: Online platforms like noracares matching families with vetted caregivers.
