When you think of a carer, what qualities come to mind? Patience? Compassion? The ability to multitask? While all these qualities are essential, they only scratch the surface of what it takes to be a good carer.
The first quality that comes to mind when thinking about a good carer is probably patience. And for a good reason! Caring for another person can have its challenges and requires a good amount of patience. There will be days when participants and carers challenge each other, and when a deep level of innate patience and understanding of what their participant is going through is needed. Carers must be able to deal with challenging behaviors calmly and effectively. A great carer will also be able to manage their stress levels so that they don't take out their frustration on the people they are caring for.
Compassion and empathy are some other essential qualities for carers. A good carer should be able to see the world from the perspective of the person they are caring for and understand their needs and feelings. They should also be able to empathize with their participants challenges.
Carers also need to multitask effectively AND have a boundless work ethic. They might need to cook meals, help with personal hygiene, administer medication, and provide emotional support – all at the same time! This can be challenging, but it's important that carers are able to prioritize and manage their time effectively.
The carer you choose will be one of your loved one's closest companions. They should treat them as family, and not just a paycheck.
The next time you are searching for the right fit, remember to ask the following questions:
What is the reason you got into this profession?
What is your favorite part of the job?
How do you handle difficult situations or challenging moments with your participants?
When have you gone above and beyond for a participant you were looking after?
Why should we hire you to care for our loved one?
Do not forget about your loved one! After narrowing down a list of your top carers, allow each of them to meet your family member; after all, they will spend most of their time with this person! How they interact will be telling and helpful in deciding who to move forward with.
Caring for someone is a challenging but rewarding job. It requires patience, empathy, and hard work. If you're considering hiring a carer for your loved one, ensure they have these qualities before taking on this responsibility.