What Qualities Make a Great Caregiver?

There’s no denying that caregiving is an emotionally (and sometimes physically) demanding job – but it’s also one of the most rewarding roles out there. As the population continues to grow older, the need for qualified caregivers will rise right along with it. So how can you tell who will be successful in this role when you’re hiring for an in-home care service?

Whether you’re searching for a new caregiver at your Homewatch CareGiversÒ franchise or just curious about applying for opportunities, it’s important to know what qualities separate a great caregiver from the rest. After years of experience in the world of in-home care, our experts have compiled a few of the top qualities for a caregiver.

Some of the best attributes for a caregiver include:

• Patience. It goes without saying that caregivers need an abundance of patience in order to do their jobs properly, and to ensure that every individual gets the right care. In some cases, the individuals receiving care may be experiencing a deep sense of frustration, or have a difficult time expressing their needs. That means the best kind of caregiver is someone who can emotionally separate themselves from a difficult situation and continue to be gentle and kind.
• Sensitivity. From bathing to grooming, caregivers are often responsible for helping with intimate routines and rituals – and they are given the privilege of access into people’s homes and spaces, too. That means any caregiver needs to have a natural sense of tact and sensitivity, never making the person in their care feel like anything less than a valuable and dignified human being.
• Stamina. Emotional attributes are important, but physical stamina is another important consideration when you’re considering a caregiver. Candidates don’t have to be Olympic athletes, but someone with a steady hand will be better equipped to help their clients through difficult situations. This is especially true when dealing with an adult who is paralyzed, or a senior who is unable to move without assistance.
• Consistency. So much of caregiving is about showing up on-time for your clients, every single day. Without reliability and consistency, it can be difficult for those receiving care to feel like they can fully trust their caregivers. It can also cause the families and loved ones of a senior to worry when their caregiver is forgetful or always “running late.”
• Positive attitude. While caregivers should be comfortable talking about more serious matters, it’s important for them to have a cheerful and positive nature at heart. By bringing a sense of humor and lightness into others’ lives, caregivers can improve the overall quality of life for their clients and give them the companionship they deserve.
• Encourages others. Although all the attributes above can make a solid caregiver, it’s the ability to encourage others that really elevates a great caregiver above the rest. By getting their clients involved with the outside world and encouraging them to participate in their own daily routines, the best kind of caregiver provides motivation for others, and brings a can-do attitude to everything that they do.

Setting the Standard for Quality Caregiving

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 34.2 million Americans worked as unpaid caregivers in 2015 alone, and that number continues to grow with every passing year. While some family caregivers do have the means, experience, and resources to provide proper care for their senior family members, it can also be difficult for most to perform these duties without skilled assistance. This is one of the reasons that more people are turning to in-home care services, as a supplement for their caregiving efforts.

We only work with the best care professionals here at Homewatch CareGivers, and we provide ongoing education for all of our team members through our proprietary training platform, Homewatch CareGivers University. As a franchisee, you’ll also have access to vast resources and training materials, and you’ll work directly with our corporate stakeholders to recruit and retain the best talent in caregiving.

Interested in learning more about our unique franchise model? Contact us today for more information.