What are the qualifications for a 24-hour caregiver?

To evaluate a potential caregiver, you’ll need to judge a few things for yourself. Any good caregiver – whether he or she is an independent provider or employed by an agency – should have six qualities.

• A professional appearance
  Appearance provides clues about a person’s attitude and commitment. A professional caregiver should be clean, well-groomed, and dressed appropriately for the job.
• Good observational skills
  Good caregivers are observant. They must be sensitive to changes in the patient’s condition – especially those the patient can’t describe directly.
• Good communication skills
  A caregiver must be able to communicate clearly with folks who have perceptual problems. Ironically, good communication skills can sometimes make a caregiver seem a bit off during the first meeting.
• An open mind
  Caregivers and care receivers are often quite different – in age, gender, and perhaps religious or ethnic background as well.
• A sense of humor
  Professional caregivers know how to expect the unexpected. An even temperament and a dose of good humor are essential in a caregiver whose work may be some times unpleasant.
• Quiet self-confidence
  Quiet self-confidence is essential in a caregiver. After all, part of the caregiver’s job is to provide reassurance to you and your loved one. A good caregiver helps both patient and family member feel that every thing is in good hands.

There are many different home health care certifications and training that aides can go through to become licensed home care professionals. It is important to know if the aides looking after your elderly parents or loved ones are Certified Nurse Assistants, Certified Home Health Aides, or have gone through other appropriate and licensed training.