Qualities to Look for in a Professional Caregiver

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When the time comes to find a professional caregiver for your elderly loved one, make sure to outline some of the traits the caregiver should have. Your family needs to choose someone your loved one will be comfortable with. Here are some of the traits every professional caregiver should have.

Patience

Being patient means the caregiver understands some days will be good for your loved one but also that some days may be more challenging. Things won’t always go as planned, but a professional caregiver should always remain patient and calm. The caregiver needs to remember your loved one didn’t ask to be in this situation, and instead of anger and agitation, your parent deserves patience and understanding.

Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated elderly home care, you can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

Trustworthiness

Caregivers may receive access to the personal and financial information of the seniors they care for, but they must never use this information or give it out to other individuals. When you search for a professional caregiver, make sure to ask for references from previous employers. You should also have a criminal background check of the caregiver performed because you don’t want your loved one’s information to become compromised at any time.

Attentiveness

Your loved one’s needs should come first at all times. The caregiver should be aware of any changes in your loved one’s health as well as changes in the household. If your loved one experiences any emotional, mental, or physical changes, the professional caregiver should notice and report these changes to your family and medical providers immediately. Attentive caregivers can help seniors prevent many accidents and injuries, such as slips, falls, and broken bones.

When considering homecare, Anchorage, Alaska, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

Dependability

Schedules change, and emergencies happen. If your family is unable to depend on a caregiver, your loved one’s health could be put at risk. Professional caregivers understand seniors don’t only need help sporadically. They need consistent care on a regular basis. Therefore, the caregiver should be dependable and ready to show up and provide excellent care to your loved one. 

Shared Interests

A professional caregiver shouldn’t be afraid to join in when your loved one sings, and he or she should be comfortable doing arts and crafts. Your loved one will need to remain active to enhance his or her mood, reduce stress levels, and stimulate his or her brain. If a caregiver doesn’t enjoy the activities your loved one likes, he or she isn’t the right person for the job. 

Compassion 

All caregivers need to be compassionate and caring individuals. The caregiver will be responsible for making your loved one and your family feel more at ease. Seniors don’t want to be viewed as obligations. Instead, they want to be respected and valued, which is why caregivers always need to show compassion when caring for seniors. 

Finding the right caregiver can be a challenging task. However, this list of traits can help you find the perfect caregiver for your loved one. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Anchorage, AK, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (907) 770-0907.

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