You’ve narrowed down your search to a few wonderful people, but you’re still not quite sure who the right one is. We talked to Bridget Warr, Chief Executive of United Kingdom Homecare Association to get the five qualities your carer should have.
What five personality traits should every carer have?
1. Genuine concern for others
“First and foremost caregivers need to have a genuine concern for others. Those who need support come from all different backgrounds and have a range of conditions that make everyday living a challenge. It follows that caregivers must treat all people who use their services equally and with genuine sensitivity – and come to the job without prejudices, or pre-conceptions.
2. Ability to listen to and empower
To do their work properly, carers must be able to listen to and empower the person receiving their support. The aim is not to take over but to encourage and support a person in their daily living, so they are able to choose what help they have and how it is carried out, and maintain or increase their independence.
3. Conscientiousness and reliability
The person who needs support must be able to depend on the elderly care – when tasks are as important as helping someone to get up in the morning, wash, dress and take their medication, it is vital a caregiver is reliable. So caregivers should be conscientious and dependable, arriving punctually and carrying out their tasks to the best of their ability.
4. Ability to organise and respond to the unexpected
That’s not to say the job is routine. Carers must be organised and able to respond to the unexpected -the person supported may want to visit a friend, or need to attend an appointment suddenly, or indeed fall unexpectedly ill- a carer must be able to react calmly and responsively, whatever the situation.
5. Determination to make a positive difference in people’s lives
Above all, a carer must be determined to make a positive difference to someone’s life. That means supporting the individual with a cheerful demeanour, taking the initiative when the person wants this and reacting flexibly to make sure that person can live as independently as possible.
In return a carer can expect a personally rewarding, varied and interesting job, and the satisfaction that comes from building a constructive relationship with the person they support and helping them achieve their desired outcomes.”
