Caregiver: A person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill); a person who has responsibility for the care of another
Caregivers are the lifeblood of Home Helpers. Without them, my business would cease to exist and we would not consistently win prestigious awards for the high-quality care our team provides.
In one of my recent blogs, I provided information about the in-home care services caregivers provide to proactively protect senior independence. However, not everyone is cut out to be a caregiver. It takes special men and women with servant’s hearts to focus their time and attention on routinely helping others.
Besides having big hearts and elevated levels of compassion, there are as many as 12 traits that make good caregivers great:
Patient – Patience is a virtue that many struggle with, but caregivers regularly demonstrate patience when helping seniors who have memory issues, physical constraints, or emotional outbursts.
Empathetic – Empathy is defined as understanding and being aware of others’ feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Caregivers are tuned-in and empathetic to the many needs of those in their charge.
Reliable – Reliability and dependability are critical to maintaining consistent daily and nightly routines of seniors for whom they provide care, which is especially important when medication reminders are necessary.
Communicative – Communication is crucial to keep family members informed about physical and mental changes that often occur. Moreover, communicating with the seniors they care for keeps them mentally engaged and psychologically active.
Confident – Caregivers with self-confidence help their seniors relax and feel more confident about their competence as a caregiver. This is especially helpful when a caregiver is not a family member or friend, but an “outsider.”
Humorous – “Laughter is the best medicine” may be cliché, but it’s true. A caregiver with a sense of humor can make difficult situations lighter, help reduce stress, and provide emotional strength when things are tough.
Present – Being present is one of the most important traits of a caregiver. Meeting seniors where they are, showing interest in their hobbies, looking at photos of their families, sharing meals, and participating in games or activities are just some ways caregivers stay present and focused on their client.
Detail-oriented – Good caregivers pay attention to details and are generally well-organized to properly manage appointments and schedules and be prepared should an emergency arise.
Cooperative – Successful caregivers know how to cooperate with doctors, family members, and friends as team players for the health and well-being of their senior clients.
Assertive – Assertiveness is not a bad thing when it comes to caregiving. Good caregivers play the role of advocate for their senior clients, have a keen understanding of their physical, mental, and emotional health, and proactively make sure they get the care they need.
Physically Fit – It’s important that caregivers stay in good physical shape to help seniors move about or perform transfers (like from bed to wheelchair) when physical disabilities present challenges.
Healthy – Staying healthy may be one of the most important caregiver traits. Eating right, exercising, hydrating, and getting good sleep are measures of self-care that allow caregivers to help themselves so they can more effectively help others.
National Caregivers Day is Friday, February 17, and I personally want to extend sincere gratitude to my team of caregivers and to caregivers everywhere! You are truly special individuals doing extraordinary things for senior men and women in need.
I can assure you that the licensed, bonded, and insured caregivers I employ are men and women who are passionate about Making Life Easier℠ for you or your senior loved one. I welcome the opportunity to meet you for a FREE Consultation to discuss your concerns about specific needs, find the perfect caregiver, and create a Cared-4℠ Custom Care Plan that works for the benefit of everyone.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award 2016-2023 and the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice Award 2022-23. We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
Sources:
Caregivers of America
VNS Health
