What makes a good home care worker? How do you know that the caregiver is right for someone close to you? If you are looking for a high-quality caregiver for your family, be sure to check if the potential supplier has these 7 attributes that are necessary for the perfect home care worker. These are the same characteristics Blossoms Senior Care looks for in our employees.
What are the most important qualities of a good caregiver?
Looking after loved ones in need is challenging, as you’ll likely know if you have ever been in that situation. It is one of the most fulfilling careers available, but to be a success, certain attributes are needed.
1. Practical
Caregivers are generally responsible for helping individuals with personal care activities such as bathing, using the bathroom, or even wound dressing. A great caregiver must have a strong constitution and the ability to handle the site of bodily functions or bodily fluids with ease. It is also very important that the caregiver does not make the individual feel ashamed or embarrassed.
2. Empathetic
Empathy is absolutely necessary when caring for the elderly. Aging and the process of moving from an independent individual into someone who needs constant care can be a difficult and, in some cases, confusing process. A great caregiver is able to connect to their clients on a personal level helping them navigate through this transition. A great caregiver will understand the emotional toll this may take on the individual as they start to face their new realities.
3. Patient
If you have ever spent time with the elderly, you know it can be Fulfilling but yet challenging. As time goes on, seemingly simple tasks can become much more difficult and take a significant amount of additional time. This can lead to frustration or aggression as part of a new normal. Memory loss can amplify the situation. The right caregiver for your loved one is someone who is patient and can handle any situation that arises in a calm and professional manner.
4. Respectful
As we start to lose our independence and, in some cases, our mental capacities, it can be easy for people to be patronizing. Even though a caregiver may be working with an elderly person who has lost a portion of their previous character, they are still people with a lot of experience and were once just like you! A great caregiver is able to connect with individuals on a personal level not just as a client who is in need of their assistance. Blossoms Senior Care has built this kind of respect right into their business mission. To learn more about how Blossoms implements respect into their care contact us today.
5. Observant
A great caregiver must be observant of the patient’s current status at all times. They can pick up on the signs of mental or physical health deterioration early. This can be vital, as the elderly can have their conditions change dramatically in a short period. A lot of surface responses like increased confusion or a decreased appetite can indicate a much more dangerous underlying problem. A loved one deserves a caretaker that would know never to dismiss these types of indicators.
6. Qualified
Blossoms Senior Care understands the importance of having experienced and qualified caregivers. There are many different certifications that can be achieved by individuals which all assist in the preparation of potential caregivers entering the profession. But currently, there is no standard in the world of care. So be open to individuals with a varying certificate that you may have not come across in the past. Check out the certificate and see if they have the relevant experience needed.
7. Reliable
Reliability in others is a very important characteristic. In the case of a caregiver for an elderly individual with mental or physical deterioration, it can be a matter of life or death. You must find a caregiver you can depend on to look after your loved one.
If you are interested in discussing your needs in a caregiver with Blossoms Senior Care or if you do currently find yourself in need of long-term care and would like to discuss options. Contact Blossoms Senior Care today!