Aside from the obvious background checks needed to be a caregiver, many other qualities and characteristics are required to be considered a good caregiver. Caregiving, particularly with in-home care, is stressful and at times emotionally draining. Having the skills to continue providing the levels of care required is what makes caregivers so impressive and important. When it comes to picking a caregiver yourself, we suggest looking for the same qualities we do when referring caregivers in your area.
A Good Caregiver Has Passion
A good caregiver has passion in vast quantities. Everyone is human and gets tired. Caregiver fatigue is a genuine problem and strikes the very best. But the best caregivers have passion as a primary reason for
taking up the job. There will be times when it’s hard and problematic, but remembering why they started in the first place can go a long way to powering through tough times and fueling the enjoyment of better times. Whether they want to help those in need or provide value to society–having caregiver passion is essential.
A Good Caregiver Has Empathy
Anyone with a relative in care knows that recovery or enjoyment of life is hindered without love and emotional support. To give seniors the best possible care, they need to have a natural ability to put themselves in their patient’s shoes. By identifying the patient’s anxieties, fears and discomfort, they can foresee problems, overcome hurdles and provide a positive outlook on daily life.
A Good Caregiver Is Flexible
Caregivers have a demanding job and that includes demanding schedules. If a caregiver isn’t open to sudden changes of plans, schedules, or emotions, they’ll struggle. Flexibility is at the heart of in-home care and allows patients to receive custom care plans regardless of their needs.
A Good Caregiver Is a Great Communicator
A quality caregiver reiterates the importance of healthy communication between patients and families. The caregiver needs to be honest with the family, ensuring that they’re up to date on their loved one’s health regardless of the topic. They also need to be clear and straightforward for those who need clear-cut communication without cutting out crucial information. Regardless of the situation, they should never struggle to communicate.
A Good Caregiver Has Good Judgement
Making professional decisions can sometimes be the difference between a bad day and a good day. That’s even more true if the patient is in danger. The caregiver must be skilled in making wise choices in high-pressure situations, whether during an emergency or a sudden change of needs in a tailored care plan.
A Good Caregiver Is Professional
Everyone has off days. Caregivers are not immune to the emotions of their own lives. But in in-home care, they can’t let that affect their ability to work. They need to be able to separate personal matters from caregiving at all times. That means not losing their temper on a bad day or venting to patients. If time off is needed, that’s a better choice than causing distress in the workplace.
A Good Caregiver Maintains Confidentiality
A quality caregiver should be aware that being welcomed into a home requires a lot of trust, which should be respected at all times. Private matters, from physical conditions and illness to family gossip, should never be shared outside. This is vital for the safety and well-being of the family and their loved ones.
A Good Caregiver Is Creative
Caregivers should always be thinking on the move about new activities and ideas that they can introduce to their patients throughout the day. That could be anything from suggesting a new app on the patient’s tablet or a new nutritious meal. They need to be creative to improve quality of life, in response to the events they see every day.
A Good Caregiver Has a Sense of Humor
Being able to see the funny side can lighten the mood for all parties, even during the most testing of times. A quality caregiver should be able to lighten the mood when things seem tense, or be there for positivity throughout the day. Keeping things light boosts everyone’s enjoyment.
A Good Caregiver Can Manage Upsetting Situations
Every day in senior in-home care is unpredictable. From medical emergencies to heartbreak and emotional distress, any day can be enough for a regular person to hit the wall. Caregivers must be able to stay strong and most importantly, functional at all times. They can’t be squeamish when cleaning around wounds, bed sores or fail to maintain emotional support during distress. It’s a quality that often contradicts the nature of other empathic qualities and is a reason why caregivers should be held in such high regard.
A Good Caregiver Has a Wide Range of Skills
Caregivers tend to have a lot to deal with throughout the day. From cleaning up the mess to keeping track of time, there is a lot to manage. A quality caregiver must be capable of a variety of tasks for any custom care plan, including:
- Preparing meals
- Walking assistance
- Housekeeping tasks
- First aid skills
- IT skills
- Logistical and scheduling knowledge.
A Good Caregiver Must Be Physically Fit
We’re not talking athletic here, but a caregiver must have the endurance to work long shifts at all hours. They need to be prepared to help seniors move, walk, clean while later having the energy to cook. It’s a demanding job that requires high stamina levels.
Quality Caregivers in Cook, Will, and Dupage counties
JBMV Health Associates is a licensed Nursing Care Provider with offices in Crestwood, Illinois, serving clients in the Cook, Will, and Dupage counties. If your loved one requires in-home care, rest assured all the JBMV caregivers go above and beyond the qualities listed above. We refer experienced people with a genuine passion for care—Call (779) 702 9275 to find a caregiver near you today.
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