If you have an elderly loved one, then you might be concerned as to whether they are able to remain in their home in a safe and healthy manner. Everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, cleaning and cooking, can be difficult for seniors to do completely on their own, and they may need some support to ensure they remain healthy, happy and at home.
Some families can address this concern by having one or more family members act as an informal Caregiver for their loved one. However, this may be difficult for some families. Many families don’t live near the loved requiring the care or simply don’t have the time and energy required to effectively provide the necessary care, and that’s perfectly understandable. In these situations, the family can ensure that their loved one gets the proper care and support they need by finding a professional Caregiver through a Home Care Agency.
Of course, the family will want to make sure that their loved one is in trusted hands. This is especially the case when searching for a quality home Caregiver. When looking to find a professional Caregiver, there are various qualities you want the person to have, and you also want to make sure this individual is a good match for the family member.
Continue reading to learn more about what to look for when looking for a professional home Caregiver for a loved one.
Background
When you’re considering someone to be your loved one’s Caregiver, take a look at their background and qualifications. They should have the necessary expertise and knowledge to provide care to individuals in their homes. Ask for their educational history, certifications, training background, and any other relevant credentials they may have.
In addition, you may prefer a Caregiver who’s more experienced, so ask about their history in the caregiving profession. That being said, ask the caregiving candidates about their work history: how many years they’ve been in caregiving and areas and services they specialize in. For example, if your elderly relative has dementia, then you should ask them about their experience with dementia and memory care services. If you will need the Caregiver to provide meal preparation services to your loved one, then ask what their cooking and meal preparation skills are like.
Good Communication
The Caregiver will need to be able to communicate well with the patient, doing so in a positive and composed manner. Your loved one may need to know how to solve any problems that arise, but that requires good communication skills. However, they also need to be able to keep a good, open line of communication with you and your family so that you and others can remain updated on your loved one.
Patience
Caregiving can be a tough profession, which is why patience is such an important trait for Caregivers to possess. Patients may not always be cooperative. Some patients can be more resistant because of their health conditions, such as those elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. No matter what, you want your loved one to have a Caregiver who is disciplined enough to remain calm and composed whenever it’s time to help.
To get a better sense of how a potential Caregiver works, ask them about previous work situations that were difficult and required patience. Their answers will allow you to get a sense of how they’d handle certain work situations and how they work with patients.
Compassion and Companionship
Caregivers need to have a quality bond with and good understanding of their patients. That said, you want to find a professional who’s caring, empathetic, attentive, and considerate. But Caregivers are more than just Caregivers. They are also companions to patients, so you should ask them about their interests to see if they have any shared interests with your loved ones.
Trustworthy
Family is important and something that people value greatly. Because of this, you need to be able to trust and depend on the Caregiver who will be caring and spending time with your loved one. The Caregiver may have access to personal information and will be in their personal space, and you don’t want someone to take advantage of your elderly loved one.
To help you find a trustworthy Caregiver, make sure you ask them for references. Contact these references to get a better sense of who they are not only as a Caregiver, but as a person as well.
Getting Senior Home Care
If you have a loved one who is in need of or would benefit from having a professional Caregiver, then it’s best to engage one from a Home Care Agency.
At Assisting Hands Home Care Richmond, we are licensed Home Care Agency that provides seniors in need with quality senior home care services that allow them to safely age within the comfort of their own home. All of the Caregivers we employ are professionals who have passed a background check, a reference check, a skills assessment, a drug screen and are properly licensed, insured, and bonded. Knowing this, you can ensure your loved one is cared for by a trusted professional. Additionally, we make sure that each of our Caregivers fit with the Shared Values of our Company: Kindness, Compassion, Integrity, Creativity and Accountability.
Furthermore, we customize our care services to each client, guaranteeing that your elderly relative receives the specific care they need. Once care has started our Caregivers and professional staff will provide continuous updates on how the plan of care is progressing and whether or not any adjustments need to be made.
From personal care to restroom assistance to meal preparation, Assisting Hands Richmond will provide a Caregiver to help your loved one remain healthy, happy and at home Contact us for a free consultation at (804) 500-9787 to ensure your loved one receives the most compassionate in-home care.
