Finding the right carer is not just about qualifications on paper. The best care relationships are built on trust, chemistry, and genuine compatibility, and that is something you can only really assess in person. The first meeting matters enormously.
Before the meeting
Review their profile carefully and look at experience, specialisms, and any written references or reviews. Check that they have a current DBS certificate and appropriate insurance. On Hibant, all of this information is displayed clearly on each carer's profile.
Prepare questions in advance, not just for the carer, but for yourself, thinking about what is most important to the person they will be caring for? What personality traits would make them feel comfortable? What would make this arrangement feel wrong?
During the meeting
Pay attention to how the carer interacts with your relative, not just with you. Do they speak to your relative directly, or do they mainly address the family? Do they make eye contact? Do they listen carefully? Do they seem genuinely interested in the person, their life, their preferences, their personality, or are they treating this as a job interview?
A carer who asks good questions, who wants to understand the person's routine, their likes and dislikes, what matters most to them, is usually a good sign.
Ask open questions rather than yes/no questions. Some useful ones:
What drew you to care work, and what keeps you in it? Tell me about someone you have supported who had similar needs. How do you handle a situation where the person you are supporting refuses to do something the family wants, like taking medication or having a shower? What would you do if you arrived for a visit and something felt wrong? How do you communicate with families between visits?
The answers will tell you a great deal. Look for warmth, honesty, and thoughtfulness. Be cautious of anyone who seems dismissive of difficult scenarios or who gives scripted-sounding answers.
After the meeting
Trust your instincts. If something felt off, even if you cannot articulate why, pay attention to that. The relationship between a carer and the person they support is deeply personal. Chemistry matters.
Also ask your relative what they thought. Their comfort and preference should be weighted heavily. If they did not like the carer, it is usually worth continuing to look.
A trial period
Even if the meeting goes well, it is sensible to agree a short trial period, perhaps two to four weeks, before committing to a longer arrangement. This gives both sides time to adjust and assess whether the fit is right in practice.
Looking for care or thinking of joining Hibant?
Whether you are a family navigating care for a loved one or a carer looking for fairer, more meaningful work, we would love to hear from you.