IN-HOME ASSISTANCE WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADLS)

Knowing that quality caregivers are the backbone of our service, there are several qualities that we look for in our caregivers:

1. Passion.  Performs duties with genuine care and concern for seniors.  Caregiving is not without challenges or difficulties, but we need people with a true passion for helping others, is positive, enthusiastic, and happy to  serve.

2. Compassion.  Empathy and the ability to understand and relate to others, their situation, and circumstances. A compassionate caregiver can identify and relate to  the pain, fear, and discomfort of those whom they serve and are eagerly to offer possible relief and comfort.

3. Patience and Flexibility.  No two days are the same. When situations arise and a senior becomes uncooperative or emotional, caregivers need to offer time and space to  defuse potential situations from escalating and rendering further distress to the senior.

4.  Selflessness.  We are all human, but even when tired, stressed, or situations become  difficult, caregivers must put the needs of those with whom they serve  first to preserve the health and well-being of the senior.

5. Attentiveness.  Caregivers must be attuned to the physical and emotional well-being of the seniors in their care to notice possible changes in mood, health, habits, or to identify potential safety issues or concerns.

6. Reliability and trustworthiness.  Caregivers need to be dependable and committed to their vocation.  Regardless of  time, day, weather, or circumstance, seniors and family depend on caregivers to arrive and help with daily needs.

7. Professionalism.  We all have difficult days and personal issues, but it is essential that  caregivers do not allow personal situations or emotions affect the mood of the senior or the atmosphere of the home. Professionalism includes separating personal emotion from duties and responsibilities.

8. Excellent communication skills.  Effective communication with seniors, family, and other medical professionals includes speaking in clear and simple terms to ensure everyone is informed of possible changes in the health and well-being of the senior in their care.

9. Maintain confidentiality.  Caregivers are privy to a great deal of confidential information.  It is imperative that caregivers practice discretion to ensure they protect  the interest and welfare of the seniors and the household.

10. Physically fit, healthy, and a strong constitution.  Serving  as a caregiver can require physical acumen – strength and stamina to  assist seniors in their care with mobility issues, bathing, transferring  and possible exercising. Similarly, caregivers need to be comfortable  in caring for wounds, cleaning after accidents, and sanitizing the  senior and the living area.