Professional caregivers provide many services that benefit seniors and their families. Simply knowing your loved one has someone to help with medication reminders or personal hygiene gives you peace of mind that his or her needs are being met. When searching for the perfect caregiver, look for these six qualities shared by Portland senior care professionals, that demonstrate professionalism and a strong desire to provide the best care possible to seniors.
1. Desire to Learn
The field of senior care is constantly changing, and caregivers should be eager to learn new techniques for helping older adults. From exploring new types of technology to learning about mobility aids, continuous education provides caregivers with new ways to promote independence among seniors.
Although it may be challenging to find a reliable, highly rated home care company, Portland, ME, families can turn to Align Home Care. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
2. Sense of Compassion
Many physical and mental issues arise during the senior years that lead to a need for home care. For this reason, caregivers should be able to respond with compassion whenever seniors are in pain or upset. Having a compassionate personality allows caregivers to soothe seniors so they can enjoy a better day.
3. Commitment to Living a Healthy Lifestyle
Professional caregivers should eat healthy, exercise, and get enough rest so they are always ready to help seniors who are in need of assistance. A commitment to leading healthy lifestyles helps caregivers encourage seniors to follow nutritious diets and exercise daily.
4. Strong Ability to Communicate
It is important for your loved one’s caregiver to be able to communicate with your family and other caregivers who are involved. The caregiver must be able to speak and listen carefully so everyone is on the same page. A professionally trained caregiver will also introduce communication tools such as medication logs and care journals that relay messages throughout the day.
Portland respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed.
5. Patient Personality
There are many times when caregivers need to be patient. For instance, some seniors face difficulty getting dressed and need time and encouragement to perform the task independently. Encouraging seniors to do as much as they can on their own is important for preserving their abilities.
6. Desire to See Seniors Thrive
Your elderly loved one should be able to develop a rapport with the caregiver. Seeing your loved one light up with joy may be one of the best parts of the caregiver’s day. As your loved one gets to know the new caregiver, watch for signs that he or she is beginning to thrive such as talking about things they did together or showing off a new skill.
If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Portland Align Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. Call us at (207) 835-3490 and hire a dedicated caregiver for your aging loved one without signing a long-term contract.