Ten Things to Look for in a Caregiver
When you're looking for a caregiver for your loved one, it's important to make sure they have proper training and will be able to provide professional conscientious care to your loved one.
Unfortunately, many people don't realize that when it comes to privately hired non-medical caregivers (NMCs) there isn’t a regulating body that oversees the field to ensure that they meet certain standards. (Some states have training standards for agency based or consumer directed NMCs, but for family’s who privately hire NMCs, there is no standard that has to be met. This leaves the most vulnerable among us open to substandard care or even worse.
Certification: The first thing to look for is a candidate who has completed a caregiver certification program. Any good training program should cover basic tenets of non-medical caregiving like; skin care, hygiene, nutrition, infection control, safe transfers, and body mechanics.
Screening: Next, the care candidate should undergo a screening process. This should at the very least include a background check and personal and professional references that are thoroughly vetted. Screenings can also include drug testing, driving record, and a social media search as well.
CPR: Caregivers should have current CPR certification. Many people think of CPR as something only medical professionals need to know, but it can be a life-saving skill for anyone. In fact, the American Heart Association now recommends that everyone, regardless of age, learn CPR.
First Aid: Caregivers should be trained in First Aid. This includes how to deal with common medical emergencies such as choking and seizures. Again, this is a skill that can save lives.
Homemaking Skills: Caregivers should have basic domestic skills. This includes things like basic cooking, light cleaning, and laundry. Families shouldn't have to worry about the completion of everyday tasks when they have hired someone to care for a loved one in their own home.
Ability to Follow Care Plans: Caregivers should be familiar with what a plan of care is and be able to follow one. They should be familiar with the specific needs of their patient and have a clear understanding of what is required for their care. This may include knowing how to administer medication or help with bathing and grooming.
Conflict Resolution: Caregivers should be able to handle challenging behaviors and stressful situations. Those experiencing chronic illness, age, or dementia can become agitated and difficult to manage. Caregivers need to be prepared for these situations and know how to de-escalate the situation safely.
Communication: Caregivers should be trained in communication skills. Communication is imperative to providing good care, and important for navigating relationships with family members.
Commitment to Learning: Caregivers should take continuing education classes related to the caregiving industry so that they can continue to grow and evolve in their caretaking skills.
Understanding of the Lifespan: Caregivers should have a clear understanding of the natural arc of illness and age, end of life processes, comfort care, and common psycho-spiritual phenomenon that the dying often experience.