Top Qualities to Look for in an Elder Caregiver
When it comes to eldercare, finding the right person to care for your loved one can save you a lot of anxiety and give you the peace of mind you need. A caregiver will be responsible for providing physical, emotional, and possibly medical support to your elder, so it is important to choose someone who is competent, compassionate, and reliable. Here are a few essential qualities to consider when hiring a caregiver for seniors.
1. Experience. Consider their level of experience which can include their education, training, and any relevant work experience. For example, if your elder has a specific medical condition, you might want to hire a caregiver who has experience working with people who have that condition and who can also assist with medical or mobility devices.
2. Compassion. Providing emotional support is just as important as physical support for your elder. The caregiver you hire should be able to form a positive and supportive relationship with your loved one and should be able to provide comfort and reassurance when needed. You can gauge a caregiver’s level of compassion by asking them about their previous caregiving experiences, and by asking them how they would handle specific situations that might arise.
3. Reliability. Caregiving can be a demanding job and the caregiver you hire should fulfill their responsibilities consistently. You should assess whether the caregiver has a good track record of showing up on time and completing their duties. Another sign of being reliable is whether they have notified past employers in advance if they’re going to be late (e.g. if there is a snowstorm and they’re running late, do they text or call?). Make sure you ask for references from past employers to check for reliability.
4. Physical ability. Depending on the level of care that your elder needs, you may need to factor in the physical abilities and strength of the caregiver to perform certain tasks such as bathing or lifting. You should also consider whether the caregiver is able to work longer hours to help with some nighttime duties if you foresee this being an area of support you need.
5. Communication skills. A caregiver should be able to communicate effectively with you and your loved one. They should be able to listen attentively, ask questions and provide clear and concise information. They should also be open to feedback and be able to follow any specific instructions that you provide. You can assess a caregiver’s communication skills by asking them about their previous caregiving experiences and by observing how they interact with your elder during the interview process.
6. Flexibility. Caregiving can be unpredictable and it is likely that your elder’s needs will change over time. The caregiver should be flexible to adapt to changing circumstances. This might include being able to work different hours or handle unexpected emergencies. You can gauge a caregiver’s flexibility by asking them about their availability and how they would handle unexpected changes in the care plan. Warning flags would be a mindset that is very “9 to 5” with no flexibility to deviate from the schedule.
7. Patience. Caregiving can be a challenging and rewarding job, but it can also be frustrating at times. Dealing with seniors who may be hard of hearing, who are forgetful or not fully understanding of questions and instructions can test even the most patient of us. Look for a caregiver who can handle difficult situations with grace. You can assess this quality by asking them about how they’ve dealt with challenging situations in the past and watch for the emotions they express as they tell the story. Are they calm or do they look frustrated as they relive the memory?
8. Cultural sensitivity. It’s important to hire a caregiver who is culturally sensitive and able to respect and honour your elder’s cultural beliefs and practices. Ask about the caregiver’s previous experiences working with people from different cultural backgrounds and observe the response in terms of how the caregiver has accommodated and respected other traditions.
9. Personal fit. Even if the caregiver you’re interviewing checks off all the boxes on the qualities described above, it doesn’t guarantee that the personal fit is there. You should look for someone who has the personality and style that is compatible with your elder’s needs and preferences as well as your own. Nothing beats observing how they interact with your elder during the in-person interview process to see if the right chemistry is there. Your caregiver will become an extension of your family so this point is critical and should not be overlooked at the expense of other qualities.
Finding the right caregiver can be challenging, but by carefully considering the qualities that are most important to you and your elder’s needs, you can find one who will be a great fit for your family for years to come.
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Credits: Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash
