Qualities a Caregiver Should Possess

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By Barbara Goll, BS, Community Education Liaison/Nutritionist

Caregiver in a medical mask with a senior woman

Whether you are looking for full-time care, part-time care or occasional respite care, choosing someone to look after your loved one is a stressful process.

It goes without saying that you want someone who can manage the details of the job — like cooking, cleaning, and keeping medications organized. But caregiving is so much more than a list of household and helpful tasks. It’s also an important interpersonal role that demands many developed personality traits.

Locating that special caregiver who possesses the qualities that would be best to care for your loved one can take some effort. A valuable caregiver will have the necessary training, along with the ability to earn the respect of your loved one being cared for.

A quality caregiver is:

  • Able to manage situations assertively and take directions gracefully
  • Reliable and trustworthy
  • Emotionally stable with even temperament
  • A problem-solver who comes up with timely solutions
  • Flexible and able to adjust to meet the needs and wishes of the client
  • A good communicator who communicates verbally and non-verbally in a clear and simple manor, exhibiting care and interest in the client
  • Professional at all times and focused on the needs of the client
  • In good health and is physically able to perform work involved
  • Is passionate about their job and providing the best quality of life for clients with dignity and respect, helping them to live each day as fully as possible
  • Radiates happiness, optimism and joy
  • Able to maintain a sense of humor through challenging times
  • Patient during times of frustration, stress and anger
  • Calm and reassuring in both tone and actions
  • Empathetic and able to consider a client’s perspective as independence declines
  • Creative in helping clients feel self-worth and emotional well-being
  • Able to stay composed during all types of tasks, offering a gift of dignity clients

A caregiver will leave a lasting impact on the client as well as the family members. Take the time to find the quality caregiver your loved one deserves.

As Maya Angelou put it, “At the end of the day, I’ve learned that people may forget what you said, they may forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”