If you’re in the process of hiring an in home caregiver, a proper screening process is essential to make sure that you find the right person to care for your loved one.
Caregiving is a challenging job, and it takes a special kind of person to do it well. Finding the perfect person can feel like a daunting task because you know that making the wrong choice could lead to a bad experience for your friend or family member.
To make the process more straightforward and less stressful, here are five essential qualities to look for:
- Qualified
Ensure that the caregiver has the necessary training and certifications, and also check if they have any additional training or credentials that may prove their suitability.
- Experienced
Ask about the caregiver’s experience in working with medical conditions that are relevant to your needs. If a candidate has spent years working with diabetics, but you need help with a friend or relative living with dementia, they may not be the ideal choice. General experience in tasks such as meal preparation and mobility support is essential.
- Compassionate
Taking care of the elderly, particularly if they have dementia or Alzheimer’s can be challenging. Not everyone has the patience or compassion required to do the job well. Ask about their previous experience of caring and consider their answers carefully. Did they speak with warmth and did their responses reveal a caring and nurturing nature? Asking why they have chosen this career will reveal a lot about their personality and attitudes.
- An excellent communicator
A good caregiver must able to communicate clearly with you and be a good listener. A good communicator will be able to keep your elderly loved one calm and solve any problems that arise without getting stressed or overwhelmed. Suggest a scenario and ask how they would deal with it. It’s also essential that they understand the importance of communicating with the rest of the family as well.
- The right personality
Skills aside, the in-home caregiver needs to be the kind of person with whom your loved one will feel comfortable spending a lot of time with. Shared interests such as a love for sport, books or music will go a long way toward making the relationship successful. Don’t underestimate the importance of personality in making your choice.
The right combination of experience, skills and personality is essential. Asking questions and trusting your instincts will give you the confidence you need to find the perfect person for this important job. Need help accessing in home care for you or your loved one. Contact Care Connect anytime on 1800 692 464 or get in touch with us online.