The Coronavirus has put our country, as well as other countries around the world, through a difficult process. During these times when the threat of the mutant virus has started to affect children as well, the responsibilities of families and caregivers have increased. Below, you can find the answers to your questions about caregiver selection during the pandemic.
How Has the Caregiver Sector Been Affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic?
During the pandemic, there has been an increase in the demand for caregivers, and families have started to set new criteria and behave more meticulously when choosing a caregiver. In this process, companies are requesting candidates to provide documents such as a photocopy of their ID and a criminal record, as well as requiring them to undergo a corona test.
The pandemic conditions have led to a significant decrease in the demand for daytime caregivers, while the demand for live-in caregivers has increased.
Families want to make some changes to the leave conditions when selecting a caregiver during the pandemic. Instead of the caregiver taking leave every weekend, it is preferred that they use this right collectively at the end of the month or receive payment for unused days. Since it is risky to get on and off public transport, families prefer the use of private vehicles or taxis for commuting during leave. Since employees generally respond positively to such requests, there are not many issues in this regard.
Caregiver fees have increased somewhat during the pandemic.
Illegal Caregiver Agencies Can Cause Victimization
Illegal agencies operating in the underground can cause various problems for families. These types of firms, which attract attention by advertising on the internet, do not operate within the legal framework and often do not have a physical address for real meetings, leading to families becoming victims.
Most illegal agencies charge fees from job-seeking caregiver candidates, despite it being prohibited. If a legal agency does this, it can be reported to İşkur and is required to pay a fine under the law.
Families that contract with firms that do not operate in accordance with the law often cannot find a contact person when a problem arises or are delayed with vague responses. If they complain to İşkur due to their victimization, they may end up having to pay a fine of approximately 19,000 TL.
To distinguish between a legal caregiver agency and an illegal one, it is important to ensure that the firm has a tax plate, and if it operates under the Ministry of Labor, it should have a private employment agency license and a business card with a clear address. Families are advised to connect with firms that can show these documents.
In conclusion, to avoid victimization, families should be meticulous when choosing a caregiver agency; they should pay attention to whether the firm has a detailed, clear address and ensure that it operates under the Ministry of Labor and acts as an intermediary for İşkur. It is also a distinguishing detail if the firm has provided the license number on its website or social media account.
After deciding on employee selection, signing a contract and requesting an invoice should not be neglected.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Caregiver
To make the right choice regarding caregivers, it is important to ensure that candidates are experienced, love their job, and are positive individuals. It is essential for those who will take care of children to be energetic, and having been a mother can be considered a plus. Additionally, all documents of the caregiver should be checked; residence, criminal record, and photocopy of ID must be seen.
For families who prefer referenced caregivers, it is important to contact the references provided. Issues such as the performance of the interviewed candidate at previous workplaces, their communication with the child they cared for, whether they contributed to the child's development, and whether they provided information to the family should be investigated. It is not sufficient to learn the duration of the caregiver's employment and their salary. It should also be learned how they performed their job and how they spent their day.
Frequently changing caregivers can have negative effects on children, so it is necessary to be careful and meticulous when selecting a caregiver and not to rush the process. Legal and prestigious firms in the market learn the expectations of families in detail to minimize potential problems and introduce them to candidates who are most likely to meet these expectations. This approach reduces the likelihood of issues arising between the family and the caregiver.
Foreign Caregivers Are Frequently Sought
Especially Filipino caregivers are receiving intense interest from families who want their children to start getting accustomed to this language at a young age, as they can speak English at a native level and possess teaching skills. Many parents with an English background but who have forgotten what they know due to lack of practice benefit from caregiver candidates who speak English in this regard.
Nanny and Caregiver Selection
