AgeWise: Finding the Right Caregiver
By: Laine Baker
Updated: January 25, 2012
Finding the right person to care for an elderly loved one can be a difficult but very important task for a family. There are certain traits in a caregiver that are a must, including the three C's.
"You are looking for someone who is compassionate, competent, and compatable," said Valerie Alsbrook, Coordinator of Home Caregiver Training at the Schmieding Center.
There are two ways to find a caregiver: through an agency, or with an independent search. Either way, people need to know the caregivers credentials and their personal and work background.
"If you know their training you will be assured and confident in their ability," Alsbrook said.
In talking to candidates, families should make sure they have the same expectations of duties as the caregiver when it comes to care, and even things like cooking and cleaning. Families should sit down before talking to candidates and do an assessment of what they want and need in a person coming into their home to help. Most importantly, people need to find the most qualified candidate that they and their loved one feel comfortable with.
"If you don't have a caregiver's heart you aren't going to be able to provide the level of care that person so desperately needs," Alsbrook said.
For help finding a caregiver go to: http://www.schmiedingcenter.org/
"You are looking for someone who is compassionate, competent, and compatable," said Valerie Alsbrook, Coordinator of Home Caregiver Training at the Schmieding Center.
There are two ways to find a caregiver: through an agency, or with an independent search. Either way, people need to know the caregivers credentials and their personal and work background.
"If you know their training you will be assured and confident in their ability," Alsbrook said.
In talking to candidates, families should make sure they have the same expectations of duties as the caregiver when it comes to care, and even things like cooking and cleaning. Families should sit down before talking to candidates and do an assessment of what they want and need in a person coming into their home to help. Most importantly, people need to find the most qualified candidate that they and their loved one feel comfortable with.
"If you don't have a caregiver's heart you aren't going to be able to provide the level of care that person so desperately needs," Alsbrook said.
For help finding a caregiver go to: http://www.schmiedingcenter.org/
