| Hi Lisamaree,
I think it is very difficult job making sure you have the right person for the job. My advice would be to take someone who is personally recommended by someone you know. Ask around everyone you know and see if they know anyone who is leaving who has a helper. This way you will have much more trust in them. Many of the helpers here are already very well trained some are nurses even as they can earn more money here as a helper than at home as a nurse.
There are several places offering CPR training if your new helper hasn't done it you will have to pay for the course but it is well worth it. Annerley and matilda hospital are two of these. If you look in the calendar at the top you will see some events for CPR training.
I think you have exactly the right attitude a good helper will become one of the family and a stand in parent when you are not at home. It is really important that the children have a good relationship with her and that you all present a united front on expectations and behaviour.
In terms of jobs - its totally up to you which jobs your helper does and which you do. If you enjoy cooking Im sure she would be very relieved not to have that extra job but would be willing to take it on if you are too busy.
What a few people I know do regarding rewards is offer their helper a pay rise after the first year if they are working as expected. That way they have incentive to do well and you feel they have earned the rise. You can also give them a contribution to visiting their family more than once a year as the contract says only once every 2 years which seems a bit hard to me.
In terms of what to look for. I would always try and choose someone with experience - you can find this out at interview, always check references. I look for someone who is chatty as I want my children to be talked to a lot to help develop their language skills. You can ask them to come and meet your child to see how they interact.
I hope this helps.
If you have any more questions let me know.
Thanks
F  |