Choosing a Caregiver During the Pandemic

Choosing a Caregiver During the Pandemic has transformed from a practical necessity into a security protocol that must be managed meticulously, as a result of the challenging conditions created by the Coronavirus worldwide. Especially with the threat of mutant viruses beginning to affect children, parents need to take much more careful and conscious steps when selecting the person to whom they will entrust their child's care. This article is prepared to guide families looking for caregivers under pandemic conditions, explain the new dynamics in the sector, and detail all the critical steps to follow for selecting a reliable caregiver.

Effects of the Pandemic on the Caregiver Sector: New Norms and Changing Demands

The pandemic has deeply affected the caregiver sector and changed many habits. Families' priorities have reshaped according to the risk of virus transmission. The most noticeable changes during this period have been:

Transition from Daytime Caregivers to Live-in Caregivers

Requests for daytime caregivers, which were more common before the pandemic, have significantly decreased due to the potential for virus transmission through public transport and crowded environments. Families have turned to the live-in caregiver model to minimize their children's exposure to the virus. This situation allows the caregiver to live as part of the family within the home, thus limiting contact with the outside world.

Increased Health and Safety Measures

Increased risks have also led to changes in the documents required from caregiver candidates. In addition to standard documents such as a photocopy of ID, criminal record, and references, current coronavirus test results are now requested. Some families may also ask for the test to be repeated at certain intervals or for the vaccination status to be declared. These extra measures aim to protect the health of both the family and the caregiver.

Changes in Leave Conditions and Fees

When selecting a caregiver during the pandemic, leave days and working conditions have also begun to be renegotiated. Families wishing to reduce the risk of public transport prefer that caregivers take their leave collectively once a month instead of every weekend or receive extra pay for unused days. Additional requests such as using private vehicles or taxis for travel are also frequently mentioned during this process. The positive reception of such requests by caregivers generally ensures a smoother process.

All these new conditions have led to an increase in caregiver fees during the pandemic due to rising demand and additional risks. Caregivers can demand higher fees, especially because they comply with live-in arrangements and flexible leave conditions.

Risks of Illegal Agencies: What to Watch Out For to Avoid Being Victimized

As in every sector, there are illegal caregiver agencies in the caregiver sector. These companies can victimize families and caregivers with attractive prices they offer, especially online. Collaborating with a company that does not operate legally can lead to serious problems in the future.

• Victimization and Trust Issues: Such agencies usually do not show an office address, and you may have difficulty finding a contact person in case of any problems. Families may not receive services even after making payments or may encounter inadequate candidates.

• Legal Obligations: A legal company is registered with the Employment Agency and cannot charge service fees from caregiver candidates. Illegal companies violate this rule by charging fees from both the family and the caregiver. This situation can lead to legal penalties for both parties in case of a legal complaint. Families who report illegal agencies to the Employment Agency have also faced serious fines (approximately 19,000 TL).

How to Identify a Legal Agency?

To avoid victimization, it is essential to be extremely meticulous when choosing a caregiver agency and to check the legal status of the company. Criteria that will help you distinguish a legal agency include:

• Ministry of Labor Permit Certificate: Legal agencies have a private employment agency permit certificate issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security of the Republic of Turkey. You can check the number or visual of this certificate on the company's website.

• Tax Certificate and Business Card: Reliable companies have a tax certificate and use corporate business cards that include their address.

• Transparency: Legal agencies manage all processes transparently. They comply with legal procedures when hiring candidates and presenting them to families, and they make contracts that protect the rights of both parties. 

Detailed Guide to Choosing the Right Caregiver

Choosing a caregiver is a sensitive issue not only during the pandemic but at all times. To ensure that you make the right decision for your child's development and happiness, follow these steps:

• Prefer Experienced and Positive Candidates: Observe how the candidate communicates with children. An energetic, patient, and positive personality is crucial for establishing a healthy bond with the child. Candidates who are mothers themselves often exhibit more empathetic and conscious approaches due to their own experiences.

• Comprehensive Reference Check: When you prefer caregiver candidates with references, make sure to speak directly with the references. Do not settle for just "worked well." Gather information from previous employers on the following topics: the caregiver's communication with the child, contributions to the child's development, behavior in crisis situations, and communication with the family.

• Official Document Check: Carefully examine the candidate's documents such as ID photocopy, residence certificate, and criminal record. These documents are essential requirements for a legal collaboration and help you avoid potential risks.

• Contract and Invoice: After all discussions are completed, sign a work contract that includes the details of the service, working hours, leave days, and fees. Also, make sure to request an invoice from the caregiver agency in exchange for the service. These documents will help protect your legal rights in case of any disputes. 

Foreign Caregivers: An Opportunity for Language Learning

As a growing trend in recent years, foreign caregivers are increasingly preferred by families. Especially Filipino caregivers who speak common languages like English at a native level offer an ideal option for families wanting to contribute to their children's language development. These caregivers help children learn the language naturally by speaking English with them in daily life. This situation not only improves the child's foreign language practice but also allows parents to refresh their passive language skills. 

The Right Choice is an Investment in the Future

Choosing a caregiver during the pandemic may seem like a challenging process, but when the right steps are taken, the peace and safety of both you and your child can be ensured. Working with a reliable and legal agency, thoroughly researching candidates, and completing all legal processes are the most critical elements of this process. Remember, choosing the right caregiver is not just about meeting daily needs, but also one of the most important investments you make for your child's healthy and safe growth.