Traits of a Quality Caregiver for Seniors
This decade, the senior population, those 65 and older, is projected to reach 71.5 million by 2030 more than doubling from 35.1 million in 2000. This growth has increased the need for caregivers. But what traits of a quality caregiver should we look for?
Seniors and supporting family members ready to bring a caregiver into your life are not alone. Many caregivers are truly shining through. A great caregiver can restore peace, health, and joy to the lives of seniors and their friends and family who need routine or respite help.
Today, we'd like to discuss the traits of a quality caregiver. These are traits you can rely on when you seek a caregiver through Elite Home Health.
Patience
A great caregiver is calm and patience with their patients. They know that the key to providing great care is by working with patience, not pushing against the wind. They know that it takes time to become used to a new routine and that seniors often do not move quickly.
A great caregiver also knows how to be patient with seniors who experience dementia. They know how to be kind to seniors who struggle with daily routines, and how to communicate with both seniors and families who are not skilled yet at conveying their needs.
Empathy
Caregiving relies on a strong sense of empathy. It's the ability to sense what a patient is feeling or the tension in a family that needs respite care. They know how to sympathize with a difficult situation, soothe emotional distress, and share happiness or sadness with seniors who need someone who can connect with them.
Self-Confidence
A great caregiver is also someone who is confident in their own skills. Caregiving can mean entering a difficult situation and taking on challenges that have overwhelmed a family. Caregivers know what they can do, what they are certified for, and how to help a family build a routine around available care with confidence. You can trust your caregiver to know their stuff. A caregiver will let you know what is needed to ensure quality care in the home.
Dependability
Skilled senior caregivers know that you rely on their dependability, both in performance and schedule. Families need to know that their loved ones are taken care of, and regularly checked on. They must feel that the quality of care will always be consistent. A dependable caregiver can also help you build a schedule with backup care, respite care, and emergency numbers so that seniors receive care around the clock and whenever needed.
Attentiveness
A key trait of a great caregiver is attentiveness to a senior's needs and situation. They may notice that a senior is having a positive reaction to a recent medication change, notice and improve safety concerns in the home, or notice when a senior is suffering quietly from a discomfort they have not mentioned. An attentive caregiver will listen and strive to understand problems. They can compassionately help seniors who are less able to communicate their needs.
Flexibility
Caregivers also know how to be flexible when the need arises. Most caregivers will have a regular daily or weekly schedule, but they also know that schedules can change. Someone who is flexible can adjust their schedule when plans change. A caregiver can help families adapt when unexpected schedule changes occur so that their loved one is always cared for.
Good Communication
Lastly, one of the important traits of a quality senior caregiver is someone who knows how to communicate. They can express themselves clearly and are often able to push past barriers to help seniors and their families effectively communicate with the caregiver - and with each other. There are many ways to communicate, and senior caregivers often excel at both verbal and non-verbal communication including emotional connections, pictures, and signals to overcome those barriers.
Find Your Senior Caregiver with Elite Home Health Care
Elite Home Health Care has been showing its patients that quality care exists!
Our team of dedicated and experienced caregivers ensures your loved ones receive compassionate care tailored to their individual needs. We recognize that everyone's definition of home care is different, whether you are looking for post-hospitalization rehabilitation or assistance with routine daily tasks. Our home health aides and registered nurses strike the essential balance of personal and professional.
Why Choose Us?
Fully Qualified
All our caregivers are certified and specialize in either elderly care or caring for the disabled.
A Match Made in (Elite) Heaven
We understand that everyone has different lifestyles, cultural backgrounds, and specific care needs. Our placement coordinators work individually with you to find a caregiver that fits your wish list. They will help ensure a seamless blend with your family, home, and lifestyle.
Safety First
And foremost. When it comes to safety, we have a zero-compromise policy. All our home health aides undergo annual extensive background checks, fingerprinting, and screening as well as regular state and federal drug testing. All caregivers also benefit from continual in-services throughout the year, taught by leading industry professionals that cover a range of topics related to home healthcare.
Your Family is Ours.
There are now over 6,000 people in the Elite family, including caregivers, clients, and their loved ones. Join our family today.
Written by: Leah Ganz
Leah Ganz, RN, BSN is the Director of Patient Services at Elite Home Health Care. She has an extensive background in homecare and previously worked in various specialties including pediatrics, pain managemnet and internal medicine. She oversees allpatient services across Elite's departments.