News You Can Use – 5 Qualities to Look For in Caregivers

The time comes when you realize you are no longer able to either take care of yourself or your loved one alone. Inevitably, this happens to most people, and it is important to know what to look for when hiring a caregiver.  Here are 5 qualities that good caregivers embody:

Sound Judgement 

Caregivers that have a natural sense of what the elderly want or need, but who cannot communicate verbally, are best. They have the judgement to know when to speak up for their client in order to receive the best care possible. They are confident in the level of care they provide and recognize an urgent matter.

Initiative

Good caregivers take initiative and action. They are in tune with the physical and emotional needs of those in their care and are proactive to solve the problems at hand. By knowing their client’s needs, they put into motion steps needed to make their client more comfortable. This can include communicating with family when something seems “off,” so that the proper medical attention can be given. 

Caring Attitude

A great caregiver shows genuine compassion for others. They want the best for their client because they take pride in their work.  When the client sees the caregiver demonstrate a positive attitude, he or she can feel at ease in what can many times be uncomfortable situations. A caregiver who shows dignity and a positive attitude for their client provides a tremendous sense of relief for the family, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

Holistic Viewpoint

When caregivers can look at the “big picture” for their client, they can assist the family in making sound healthcare decisions. They should consider no only the client’s medical condition, but also safety in the home, mental wellness, physical health and social well being. Ideally, caregivers recognize when abilities to navigate in and outside of the home change and respond accordingly. If a client shows signs of depression, they can be the first to recognize symptoms and alert the family or medical team. Making sure the client does what they can to keep the client moving and engaged socially improves both the body and the mind. 

Trustworthiness

You or your family must put a great deal of trust in a caregiver. Knowing they have been vetted with background checks, trained properly to handle various situations and can be trusted while in the client’s home is extremely important. Too many times, we hear stories of caregivers who take advantage of a disabled or elderly person while in their home. In order to be confident in your caregiver, we recommend turning to the experts. 

At Diversified Resources, we have rigorous protocols in place to ensure our caregivers are well trained and trustworthy. Give us a call today so we can help you or your loved one stay at home longer with qualified and caring home care.