A guide to finding the right carer for your loved one

Finding the right carer matters

Finding the right carer for your loved one is one of the most personal decisions you'll ever make. It's not just about finding someone who can provide physical support, but emotional connection, respect, and genuine care. The right carer can bring comfort, dignity, and companionship into your loved one's daily life.

This guide walks you through the essential steps to finding a carer who isn't just qualified, but truly a right fit for your family's unique needs. We go through what to look for in a carer, key questions to ask, and a platform you can use to employ carers directly — keeping costs transparent and fair.

The matching process

Great care starts before you ever meet the carer — it begins with understanding what kind of person will make your loved one's life better. Understanding your loved one's needs, routines, and what truly makes them feel comfortable is key to finding the right match.

Most agencies rely on you filling out paperwork, followed by quick availability checks of their carers, often presenting you with the first one available in their local network — a process based on convenience, not compatibility.

At Match with Grace, our dedicated care matching team carefully reviews your family's needs and preferences to handpick carers who are the right fit — not just the next available.

You can fill out a quick form or simply call us, and in just a short conversation, you can share what truly matters: your loved one's care needs, routines, and personality preferences. Following that, a member of our team will reach out with introductions to carers who match your family's needs.

Understanding your needs

Of course, before any matching can happen, it's important to understand what kind of care your loved one truly needs and values.

• Daily living activities: Does your loved one need help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, or medication management?
• Medical needs: Are there health conditions requiring special skills or training?
• Companionship: Beyond physical care, how important is social interaction and emotional support?
• Schedule requirements: Do you need live-in, full-time, part-time, or occasional care?

Clarity here will make the next steps easier — and help you find carers who can provide the right balance of practical and personal support.

What to look for in a carer

Personal qualities

• Compassion: A genuine desire to help and care for others where a friendship will develop over time between them and your loved one.
• Patience: Especially important when working with older adults with memory challenges.
• Reliability: You need someone consistent and dependable.
• Communication skills: A good carer has the ability to listen and communicate clearly with your family.

Compatibility

More often than not, the best matches are about shared values and connection.

• Personality match: Is this someone your loved one feels comfortable with?
• Shared interests: Common ground, interests or topics of conversation can make time together more enjoyable.
• Cultural understanding: Respect for routines, beliefs, and traditions goes a long way.

Qualifications and experience

• Relevant certifications: Look for carers with appropriate qualifications for your loved one's needs.
• Background checks: Ensure thorough background verification has been completed.
• Experience: Consider carers who have experience with similar care situations or health conditions.

Key questions to ask carers

When you're ready to speak with potential carers, consider asking:

1. What experience do you have with [specific condition or care need]?
2. How do you handle difficult situations or emergencies?
3. What do you enjoy most about caregiving?
4. How do you ensure continuity of care?
5. Can you provide references from families you've worked with?

These questions help reveal not just skill, but character — and whether their approach aligns with your family's values and expectations.

Making your decision

When you've found a potential match:

1. Meet in person: If possible, let your loved one spend time with the carer before deciding.
2. Try a short-term arrangement: A few days or weeks can reveal if it's a good fit.
3. Keep communication open: Discuss expectations, feedback, and any adjustments early on.
4. Trust your instincts: You'll know when it feels right.

Ongoing support

Remember, finding the right carer is just the beginning. Good care relationships require:

• Regular updates: Create a simple WhatsApp or group chat with family members and the carer. It's an easy way to share updates, check in on routines, and make sure everyone feels informed.
• Flexibility: Needs may change over time — so should care.
• Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help, advice, or replacements if needed.

Final thoughts

Finding the right carer takes time and consideration, but it's worth it. A strong match brings peace of mind, stability, and joy into your loved one's life.

At Match with Grace, our mission is to make that journey simpler. Our dedicated care matching team listens, understands, and connects families with trusted carers they hire directly — keeping costs transparent and relationships personal.

If you're ready to explore your options, →enquire now or →call us and discover how effortless finding the right care can be.