Newjersey expat

Just a note about private care. I am very familiar with assisted living and full care here.  Nurse assistants are hesitant to work at nursing homes if they think the pay is too low, but some need that experience to find agency work.  The biggest problem with home care is that it isn't steady. People get better, leave the country, go into a nursing care facility or pass away so they don't have work unless someone recommends them or they hear of a need. Often the care giver will have to work a second job.  The lucky ones get to work for an agency such as Lydia's.

Harry,

Having direct contact is good advice. But many people don't know a "real" licensed nurse from a nurse.

The term Nurses is used differently here than in the US.  A nurse aide ( who may not have any formal education is called a nurse.) There are programs that will give certificates for nurse aides . Still called nurses. Then there is the second level of formally educated persons called General nurses. ( usually educated in places like Guad  about 2yrs. .) Finally you have the college educated LICENSED nurses.( usually 4-5 yrs of college education .

If someone needs a care giver, they should find out what education and experience they have. If one needs just shopping , cooking and maybe hygiene, this isn't too much of an issue. If one needs more assistance like injections, ambulation etc. or even how to relate to someone with dementia then you need to check the skill level and experience.   I have heard directly someone say the vet told me how to give an injection to my dog.  Really not someone you want giving you insulin.  Things are very different here so use some caution.

USA registered nurse and professor

I have a tazar, actually three. I never have to use it ON an animal, when unfriendly dogs come around , I just push the button on and the noise makes them run away fast,This had worked many times. No one gets hurt.