With AbiCare, you choose the care that fits best with your life and your home, from visiting care to live-in care. As a home care agency, we are here to help you or your loved ones live with more independence.
When the time comes that you need home care you want to be sure that you get the high-quality care that you deserve. But what looks good on paper may not work for you. Do not forget, it is a human relationship you are trying to form with your carer, and it must be a good fit.
But what makes a good carer? There are many different attributes a good carer should possess and it can be useful to identify these when you are looking for your own. From having the necessary qualifications and experience to meeting your needs to be a caring and supportive individual, carers must be well-rounded and dynamic individuals.
Here are five qualities needed to be a good carer, so that you can make sure you find the best private care to meet your needs.
They are passionate about their job
If someone is passionate about their job, they are more likely to execute the job properly, and this goes double for a carer. Private care work can be a demanding job and often requires the carer to think on their feet, and a carer must be driven in their work. You should be able to tell that your carer is passionate about their job just by talking to them.
From helping their clients with daily personal care to accompanying them to doctor’s appointments, empowering a client to live their life as independently and as fully as possible should be rewarding. A passionate carer may find satisfaction through the simple act of bringing a smile to their client’s face or by enabling their client to enjoy their elderly life and seeing improvements in their wellbeing and lifestyle.
You and your carer get along well
You want a carer who will be patient, empathetic, and passionate about the job, but also one who has a personality that will complement your own. Shared interests are also important when trying to find the best match. Remember, your carer may be working with you or your loved one for long periods so you must get on well.
For some people, they live alone and their carer may be the only person who comes in that they get to speak to during the day – one of the many reasons why elderly daycare is so important for the quality of life. Therefore, your carer needs to show a genuine interest in you. This can be shown through simple things, like them asking about your day or finding out about your life. Even simple things like a warm smile, a friendly chat, or a cup of tea, can transform someone’s day and show them that their carer cares.
They respect your decisions, wants, and needs
Every client is unique, and your carer must understand the importance of providing personalised care and empowering you to be as independent as possible whilst respecting your limitations. One way of empowering independence is through respecting the autonomy of a client. A carer should understand that their client must have the ability to make decisions for themselves, such as when to get up, what to eat, and where to go.
A carer can respect your decisions, wants, and needs by enabling you to remain safe and calm in your own home, encouraging engagement with daily activities, and creating social interactions.
They have the necessary experience and qualifications
You want a carer who knows what they are doing and who has experience working with your specific needs. To assess this, you should check their employment history and other work experience to make sure they can meet your or your loved one’s needs. This can reassure you that they can provide high-quality care you or your loved one deserves.
All carers regardless of their training should also exhibit a willingness to learn. They must have the initiative to continue developing themselves professionally and learning the necessary skills that may improve the care that they provide to their client.
You can trust them
Trust is the foundation of any relationship between a carer and client. Remember, your carer will likely be working with you when you are at your most vulnerable, so you must trust them. To encourage trust a carer must be reliable, punctual, and respectful.
Confidence can also go a long way in building trust. A carer should be confident, but not arrogant, in their work so that you feel comfortable in knowing that they can look after you well. After all, if a carer is confident in their work then you will more likely be comfortable being under their care.
Where can I find the right care?
With AbiCare, you choose the care that fits best with your life and your home, from visiting care to live-in care. As a home care services agency, we are here to help you or your loved ones live with more independence. From a full-time vetted carer living in your house to convalescent care, respite and holiday care, or simply companionship, everything is available in AbiCare. These can be cost-effective alternatives to care homes, with the added peace of mind that comes from staying at home.