If you have a loved one who needs the attention of a caregiver, one of the things you will have to consider is how you will select the right person for the job. Companionship care has evolved over the last few decades, which means that if you are new to this, you will need tips such as the ones shared below.
A caregiver is an individual in charge of taking care of the emotional and physical status of an individual. Caregivers are in charge of keeping a sad person safe and emotionally stable. Caregivers are not easy to select. There has to be a compatibility between him/her and the person being taken care of in order to create a good emotional connection. People are around their caregivers almost 24/7, which makes tolerance very important. There is also the issue of the caregiver’s medical training.
The Role of a Caregiver
The role of a caregiver varies by situation and needs. This is something you need to consider from the outset. At the beginning of your process, you need to figure out just how much assistance your loved one will need. Will the care be long term or short term? Do you need the caregiver to live with the person or will they be engaged within set hours? What are the activities that the caregiver will carry out while on duty? Ensure that each candidate for the job knows exactly what will be required.
Qualifications
One of the criteria you should consider in the quest for the ideal caregiver is qualification. Depending on your location and needs, the required qualifications for caregivers may vary. Some medical training is usually needed, but this may increase depending on the needs of your loved one. At the very least, though, most jurisdictions require that caregivers have licensed practical nurse credentials
You should also consider whether the prospective caregiver is registered with a professional body. Think about whether you want to hire an independent or informal caregiver or one that is affiliated with a company. Independent caregivers are fine and many provide excellent service, but it is also great if the caregiver is affiliated with a reputable caregiving service. In the US for instance, there is a national caregiver registry managed by the American Caregiver Association. While in Australia, the government provides some amount of caregiving service. Canada caregivers are registered with government and provincial authorities (Such as the Ontario Caregiver Organization or OCO) Someone who doesn’t come with the requisite qualifications or association with a reputable body is more likely to behave unethically and endanger the health and safety of your loved one than someone with the required documentation.
Experience
Like with many other service and health-based industries, experience is important in the business of care services. A caregiver with experience is more equipped to deliver a high standard of care than one without. Each individual who needs care has different needs that may be related to their ailment, desires, or other unique situations. Think about your loved one’s unique needs and consider whether the prospective caregiver has experience in that particular situation.
Track Record
Track record is another key criterion. A caregiver with a track record for excellent service is more likely to meet or exceed your expectations than a newcomer to the profession. References can be helpful in painting a picture of a caregiver’s past performance. If you are looking into a service company, you can search for reviews online.
Personality
When choosing a caregiver, you absolutely must give consideration to the individual’s personality. Sometimes, even if the caregiver has an excellent track record and top-notch qualifications, personality clashes with your loved one can affect the level of care delivered. Consider the personality of your loved one when choosing a caregiver in order to ensure that the relationship that they will inevitably develop is a positive one. Try engaging the potential caregiver in a friendly interview setting in order to get some insight into their personality. This interview can be done digitally, using platforms such as zoom and Skype, or in a physical setting.
Even after doing your due diligence before hiring a carer, you have to be prepared for adjustments. There is no guarantee that the carer you hire will be ideal. Make accommodations for an adjustment period and be prepared to evaluate the carer’s performance within the first few days or weeks. Ultimately, you want to ensure that the care your loved one receives is of the highest quality.