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Child & elderly care: say what exactly you’re looking for

Choose a subcategory in “Child & elderly care” — so the request goes to the sellers who actually sell this.

Find a nanny, caregiver or care home: offers and prices

Who needs care, and what kind

Caring for a child and for an elderly person are different tasks. A child needs development, play and a routine; an elderly person needs help with moving around, medicines and daily chores. So the first step is to describe who needs help and how much.

For a child at home look for a nanny, and for a full day in a group, see private nurseries. For an elderly person at home a caregiver will do, and if round-the-clock supervision and medical help are needed, consider care homes for the elderly.

What to put in your request

Here it is especially important to be honest: both the choice of person and the trust between you depend on it.

  • who needs care: the age of the child or elderly person, health condition, particular needs (allergies, bedridden, dementia, hyperactivity);
  • schedule: hours per day, weekends, overnight stay, permanent or temporary;
  • duties: going for walks, feeding, taking to school, cleaning, cooking, giving medicines;
  • requirements for the person: experience, medical training, references, language of communication;
  • place: city, area, whether live-in;
  • start: from which date;
  • pay: what you have in mind, if you want to name a budget.

What to pay attention to when choosing

Price is not the main thing here. Ask for references from previous places, talk to the candidate in person, arrange a trial day or a short probation period. A child or an elderly person must feel comfortable near the new person, and you can usually see this at once.

For a nanny, ask about experience with your child's age, knowledge of first aid, and attitude to routine and screens. For a caregiver, ask whether they have experience with your type of condition, whether they can use a lifting aid, and what they do if the condition worsens. Before choosing a care home, visit it, look at the rooms, the food and the staff, and ask whether a medical worker is on duty round the clock.

What to agree before the start

Agree in writing on duties, schedule, pay, a replacement in case of illness, days off and leave. Separately agree on rules: whether visits are allowed, whether they may take the child out of the neighbourhood, whether photos are allowed. This removes most conflicts. If you hire on a permanent basis, think about formal employment terms.

Don't hand over documents, keys or money in advance until you have met. Trust is built gradually.

The first days with a new person are the hardest: a child or an elderly person needs time to get used to them. Agree that the first week you work out the routine together, and then review whether everything suits you. Leave a written instruction: the schedule, medicines, phone numbers of the doctor and relatives, a list of foods to avoid.

If you are looking for a care home or a nursery, compare not only the price but also the number of children or residents per staff member, the daily routine, the facility's permits and whether you can visit at any time.

How BlaBlaPrice helps here

You write one request in your own words, and providers reply in the chat: who they are, their experience, when they can start and on what terms. The platform shows the one that is best on substance first, and reviews are visible next to each. Your phone is hidden, and only the one you choose will see it. Read the details on the page “How it works”.

Questions and answers

How do I check a nanny or caregiver before they start?

Ask for contacts of previous employers, meet in person and agree on a trial day. Also look at the reviews next to the offer.

Does a caregiver need medical training?

For caring for a bedridden person or a complex condition it is desirable. For light help at home experience is often enough, but it is better to state the requirements in the request.

What should I discuss with a care home before moving in?

The cost and what it includes, visiting hours, medical supervision, meals and the rules for ending the contract. The agreements must be in writing.

Can I find help for a few hours?

Yes, state the schedule in the request, for example a few hours a day or weekends. Providers will offer their terms.

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