How to Create a Strong Relationship with Your Caregiver
26 May 2021
For seniors looking for daily assistance, a great caregiver can prove to be invaluable. Simple errands and personal care get harder with time and a qualified home caregiver can step in for much needed support. These workers are one of the most convenient and preferred care options for seniors looking to continue living at home.
So what does it take to find a great caregiver? Experience and skill are obviously important, but soft skills are also important. Building a strong, positive relationship with a caregiver is also essential to making home care work well in the long-run.
We wanted to highlight some ways to strengthen the bond between seniors and their caregivers.
Keep reading to learn more!
Communication is Key
Just like any good relationship, establishing good communication is key. Caregivers should always know what is expected of them when they are at work. If there are any boundaries, dislikes, or preferences, be sure to share that information as well. Providing this clarity helps both parties build trust and avoid misunderstandings.
Encourage your caregiver to ask questions if they are confused or need help understanding the best way to do something. It’s also a good idea to share praise when your caregiver does something well.
If problems or conflicts arise, try to discuss them quickly and work towards a resolution together. For continuing problems and conflicts, you may have to reach out to your agency and look into a caregiver better suited for your situation.
Respecting Boundaries
Relationships between caregivers and seniors also need to have clear boundaries set. It is such an intimate situation that sharing too much information can sometimes backfire. For both parties, it’s important to maintain some level of privacy and avoid asking questions that may be too personal.
Caregivers should always respect their client’s privacy and never share personal information or stories with other people. Sensitive topics such as money, politics, religion, and sex are also good to avoid. Instead, focus on more neutral subjects such as cooking, gardening, traveling, and other hobbies.
Practicing Patience
When working with a new caregiver, it’s important to approach the situation with patience. Both parties are getting used to things and learning what to do on a daily basis. Caregivers may need to be patient with seniors that aren’t used to having support everyday. It can be hard to accept that they may no longer be fully independent.
Seniors also need to be patient as their new caregiver figures out the best way to support and care for them. They should continue to communicate what they prefer and voice any concerns, while also showcasing patience and understanding. Caregivers may do things differently than expected and that can be ok. It’s important to trust their skills and experience, while also keeping communication open. By approaching things this way, the relationship can grow stronger every day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many good ways to strengthen the bond between caregivers and seniors. Keeping open lines of communication makes it possible to avoid misunderstandings and share important information. Providing praise can also be helpful in building positivity in the relationship.
Privacy is also important in an intimate relationship like this, and both parties should take care to respect each other's boundaries. By being patient and showcasing understanding, caregivers and seniors can build relationships that bring positivity and well-being everyday.
Here at Roses Agency Home Care, we know how important it is to find a highly skilled and trust worthy caregiver for your family. Contact us today to find the perfect caregiver for your situation.
For more questions about getting a loved one caregiver support, please contact us by clicking here.