7 Qualities to Look for When Hiring a Personal Care Assistant

personal care assistant

A personal care assistant must be more than someone you pay to help a loved one. They should be a professional who is committed not only to protecting the safety and well-being of your loved one but someone capable of delivering potentially life-saving care when it is needed.

In the following article, we will be taking a closer look at this critical role. 

1. A Personal Care Assistant Must Be Organized

The first of the caregiver skills that are so vital to hire a personal care assistant is organization. The caregiver may need to keep up with medication administration, meal planning and assembly, and active time for your loved one. Time and consistency are of the essence, and that requires organizational skills. 

2. Reliable

People who require caregivers cannot afford to be hit with a constant wave of call-ins and no-shows.

The caregiver must show up on time. If there is an absence, it should be planned and requested with enough advanced notification so you can plan for it.

3. Personal Care Assistants Must Understand How to Use Technology

Another of the skills of a good caregiver to consider is technological proficiency. Everyone knows how to dial 911 in the event of an emergency, but it goes well beyond that.

A good personal care assistant will have the ability to use technology to the advantage of your loved one. From setting timers on a phone to remind of medication doses to working a mobility vehicle, tech skills can help your personal care assistant stand out, save you money, and enhance your loved one's quality of life. 

4. A Good Personal Care Assistant Will Be Trustworthy

Trustworthiness is also important to the caregiver skills list. This differs from reliability (i.e., showing up on time). It goes well beyond it, actually. With trustworthiness, your personal care assistant shows you he or she can be trusted with confidential information. They will anticipate when a situation calls for discretion and have the judgment to use it.

5. Flexible

Caregiver skills and abilities are often needed around the clock. Your loved one's care doesn't follow an 8-5 routine, in other words. A good caregiver won't have a problem with this. They will understand it's the nature of the job, and they will be ready, willing, and able to help, keeping their phone on them and on alert at all times.

6. Proactive

Your caregiver should be able to notice concerning changes in behavior or physical health. They should take steps to get your loved one the help they need without waiting for things to spiral out of control. 

7. Have Great Communication Skills

Personal caregivers should be able to communicate the needs of your loved one to other parties when necessary. They need to be well-written, well-spoken, and active listeners. If they lack the ability to understand and interact, steer clear.

Hire The Personal Care Assistant If They Possess These Qualities

A personal care assistant with these qualities is worth his or her weight in gold, particularly if you are committed to preserving the quality of life for your loved one. To learn more about how our mobility products can assist in proper caregiving, contact us today.

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