Working with our aging population can be a satisfying and rewarding endeavor. Not everyone is cut out for it. When we are looking for the best possible care for our aging loved one, how do we know who to choose?
First of all, there are two different kinds of elderly caregivers. The professional caregiver and the informal caregiver. An elder care professional caregiver is anyone who receives monetary compensation for giving care to the elderly. This category would include doctors, nurses, aids, social workers, adult daycare workers, just to name a few.
Here are a few things to watch for:
1. They enjoy elderly people. People who are successful in the profession of care giving for the elderly are unique people. They have a special personality. They enjoy the stories and the interaction with the elderly.
Older people have different needs. Many times, an elderly person can become cut off from others. They may still be living in their home but their worlds have become smaller. They may not drive any more or, they may not have the stamina to be as active as they once were. They can become lonely and their needs for socialization can be their visit with their professional caregivers.
When they meet with their caregiver, they may want to talk and talk. It takes a loving and compassionate person to sit and listen to them, even when the waiting room is filled or schedules are tight.
2. They can listen and recognize the areas of concern. It is important to pick a professional caregiver who has the ability to listen to the older person talk and then gentle lead them back to the subject at hand. They should have the talent of being able to steer the conversations to the needs of the elder person while staying vigilant to hear things which could be of concern in their elder patient’s life.
3. They ask good questions. When the professional caregiver asks good questions,they can get to the heart of the matter quickly. Older people can be showing signs of dementia or have ambulatory issues which can lead to falling and broken bones. If the professional caregiver isn’t listening and watching for these signs they can be easily missed. It is important to find out if their patient is safe in their environment.
4. They have patience with their elderly patients. When choosing a professional caregiver, it is important to look for the indications this caregiver enjoys helping others. They don’t get ruffled easily and can understand the older person can be crabby or out of sorts when they don’t feel good. The caregiver shouldn’t take it personally.
5. They give good advice. When they have the above skills they will hear what is actually being said and are able to give the patient and the patient’s loved ones good solid advice. Giving good advice leads to improved conditions for the patient. If their reputation is such that they give good advice, the patient and family will follow their advice.
6. They make their elderly patient feel special. A professional caregiver who is good at their job will be very busy person. Even when they are very busy, they pay attention to the patient and don’t rush through their time with the patient. They take time to answer questions and make their older patient feel special.
7. Listen to your intuition. If it is telling you something isn’t right, pay attention to it. Often times, we will unconsciously pick up on something which isn’t right that our conscious mind doesn’t acknowledge. This feeling that something isn’t right might be your inner you trying to get your attention.
It is important to pick the right professional caregivers. They are the ones who see and recognize the changes in our loved ones. They can be the difference between life and death for our elderly.
By Nan McAdam