Finding a caregiver for an aging loved one is tough, especially if they have a cognitive impairment such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Your loved one deserves a caregiver who has the training to provide the best possible care.
But there are other intangible qualities that make a great caregiver an indispensable part of your family.
Patience
Patience is important for any caregiver, no matter the age of the person who is receiving their care.
For people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, a patient caregiver who takes the time to communicate with them is vital.
When dealing with patients with special needs, whether physical or mental, a caregiver should display outstanding patience. Because plans, behaviors, and moods can change rapidly, patience and an even temper can help both the patient and the caregiver remain even.
A patient attitude can also diffuse tense situations with a frustrated person, especially one with special needs.
Empathy
A good caregiver should be able to empathize with his or her patients.
Identifying with the frustration, pain and struggles of the person in their care can help a caregiver approach situations with compassion and reason.
For a person with special needs, an empathetic and compassionate caregiver can make all the difference in an upsetting situation or sudden mood change.
Dependability
Your loved one deserves a caregiver they can depend on.
It’s important to carefully examine your chosen caregiver’s work history yourself, or to choose a company that uses background checks and references before hiring someone.
Did the caregiver have a history of showing up late at their previous job?
Did they have a habit of missing scheduled work days?
Were they let go for these indiscretions in the past?
These are things to consider when choosing a caregiver who will be responsible for your loved one during certain hours in the day.
Knowledge
If you hire a caregiver for a loved one who has special needs (Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, diabetes), they should have a knowledge of both the particulars of the condition and how the condition should impact their caregiving.
A person with Alzheimer’s has different caregiving needs than one with diabetes, for instance.
Your chosen caregiver should display sensitivities and insight into these particular diseases and be able to provide care that meet’s your loved one unique needs.
Compassion
Perhaps the most important quality in a good caregiver is compassion.
Your loved one is in need of someone to help them with the intricacies of daily living. But they also need someone who will show compassion for their situation and struggles.
Choose a caregiver who has a heart for helping their patients live better, more fulfilled lives. Compassion will not only help them be more in tune with what your loved one needs; it will also help them provide care that is based on more than going through a list of chores.
Bluebird Homecare’s Team is Different
Bluebird Homecare is dedicated to finding and choosing caregivers who meet this list of criteria and more.
In addition to the opportunity to become accredited in a number of caregiving disciplines, our caregivers must display outstanding dependability and attention to patient needs.
We offer specialized caregiving for those with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s or dementia and post-surgery care, among other specialties.
To find a caregiver that you and your loved one can trust, contact Bluebird Homecare today.
