In-home caregivers are a dime a dozen. Good in-home caregivers are worth their weight in gold.
Once you’ve chosen a home-care agency, sometimes you have the opportunity to choose your caregiver as well. If you don’t, you can always ask for a different one later.
Here are some characteristics you may want to look for:
Thoroughly Trained
The caregiver should be comfortable with required tasks.
Compassionate
The agency should pay attention to this quality when hiring caregivers. Whether they do or not, you need to. Expect a warm, caring personality.
Patient
Efficiency is important, but so is patience.
Attentive
Expect a companion who listens to what you need and attends to it directly.
Respectful
An aide should never make you feel uncomfortable and should make every effort to help you maintain your dignity, whether doing your laundry or helping you in the bathroom.
Gentle
If a caregiver is rough with you, that’s a deal breaker.
Verbally Supportive
Like physical abuse, verbal abuse or disrespect is unacceptable.
Trustworthy
If red flags pop up, pay attention. For example, caregivers should never suggest putting their name on your bank account.
Professional
Aides need to be on time, accomplish tasks thoroughly and efficiently and conduct themselves in a professional manner.
If you’re a family member of the person being cared for, check in with your loved one regularly to ensure things are going well. If you notice withdrawal or mood changes, that may be a sign of abuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse has more information about abuse and where to report it.
Many in-home caregivers have all the good characteristics and have wonderful relationships with the people they care for. If you’re ever uncomfortable, contact the agency and ask for someone else. After all, you’ve hired the agency for your health and happiness. Make sure you get what you’ve paid for.
Alabama