A Guide To Hiring A Professional In-Home Caregiver
When You're Overwhelmed, the Right Help Makes All the Difference
You don’t have to be a full-time caregiver to feel full-time exhaustion.
Many San Antonio family members — especially daughters, wives, or granddaughters — find themselves caring for aging parents or loved ones without ever formally planning for it. You step in after a surgery, a fall, or a change in medical condition… and suddenly your evenings, weekends, and peace of mind are gone.
Hiring a professional caregiver for short-term relief isn’t giving up. It’s recognizing that your time, your health, and your relationships matter too.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
When short-term care makes sense
How to evaluate a caregiver or agency
What questions to ask before hiring
Red flags to avoid
What to expect from local agencies like Promise Senior Solutions
What Is Short-Term Relief Care?
Short-term in-home care is temporary help provided by a trained caregiver — usually ranging from a few hours to a few weeks.
You might need this care if:
You’re recovering from surgery or illness
You’re traveling and need someone to stay with your loved one
You’re returning to work and need interim support
You need a break due to burnout or emotional strain
The key benefit: your loved one stays in their home, and you get time to step away without worry.
Top Signs You Should Consider Hiring a Caregiver
Many family caregivers wait until they’re overwhelmed before reaching out. If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to explore support:
You’ve canceled personal appointments or social plans
You’re sleeping poorly or constantly fatigued
Your loved one’s needs have increased quickly
You’re struggling with transfers, bathing, or medications
You’re feeling resentment, guilt, or emotional numbness
Even a few hours of support each week can make a dramatic difference — for your physical health, emotional balance, and confidence.
Choosing Between an Agency or Independent Caregiver
You have options when it comes to hiring help:
💼 Caregiver Agency (like Promise Senior Solutions)
Licensed, bonded, and insured
Vetted professionals with experience
Backup coverage if a caregiver is sick
Training in dementia care, mobility, medications, and more
Managed schedules and quality oversight
👤 Independent Caregiver
May cost slightly less per hour
More flexible on availability
You manage all employment logistics, liability, and screening
Most families seeking short-term relief prefer a local caregiver agency near them for peace of mind and quick access to help.
What to Ask Before Hiring a Caregiver
Whether working with an agency or hiring privately, ask these questions:
Are they background checked and what training or certification have they received?
Can I interview the caregivers before they start?
Are they insured for accidents, damage, or theft?
Can they provide care for short durations, like 1 – 4 hours?
Is there a minimum number of shifts or hours required every week?
Is there a contract or agreement?
Do their personalities match up with the client? What happens if they aren’t a good match?
Do they provide back-up coverage if the regular caregiver is unavailable?
Are they familiar with dementia, stroke recovery, or Parkinson’s care?
How do they track their time and billing?
How do they communicate patient changes with family members?
Who submits required reports for their pay at the end of the year?
Who can you submit complaints to if you’re dissatisfied with service?
Answers to these questions will help you understand not just the qualifications — but the flexibility, transparency, and compassion you can expect.
What Does a Short-Term Caregiver Do?
At Promise Senior Solutions, our short-term care services in San Antonio are flexible & fully personalized. Our caregivers support families with:
Bathing, dressing, grooming assistance
Brief changes & Hygiene care
Safe mobility and transfer help
Medication reminders
Light housekeeping and meal preparation
Companionship and conversation
Specialized Dementia safety routines and redirection
Weekend or overnight coverage
Pet care
Whether it’s for two days or two weeks, our goal is to help you feel relieved, supported, and in control.
Avoid These Red Flags When Hiring
Not all caregiver services are created equal. Be cautious of:
Agencies with minimum hourly requirements or long-term contracts
No backup caregivers available when needed
Caregivers who aren’t tested, trained, or have continuing education in care
Lack of clarity around pricing, services, emergency & safety procedures
No local office or licenses’
No one to answer the phone after hours for questions or concerns
At Promise Senior Solutions, we work with no hourly minimums, no long-term commitments, and no hassle — just trusted help when you need it.
How One Daughter Took Her Life Back
“I was so afraid to let someone else take care of my dad, even for a few hours. But I felt I was drowning — I was so stressed, I had no time for my kids. I was exhausted. Promise sent a caregiver within a day. I got to rest and see clearly again.”
Getting Started with Short-Term Relief Care in San Antonio
Call or request a free consultation
We’ll ask about your needs, assess your loved one’s care needs, and recommend help that makes sense.Set your schedule — no pressure
Need just one shift a week? A few days post-surgery? We’ll build the plan around you.Get the help and space you deserve
With your loved one safe and cared for, you can return to your role refreshed and confident.
Your Life Matters, Too.
Being a caregiver is selfless — but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your health, your happiness, or your peace of mind.
With short-term relief care, you get support your whole family can feel.