As a caregiver, someone else is counting on you to help with their daily needs. To ensure high-quality care, there are several traits every good caregiver should have.
Long Term Living Associates lists five traits every good, quality caregiver should have. The traits include dependability, trustworthiness, compassion, attentiveness, and patience.
Dependability
A good caregiver must be dependable. This means the individual shows up on time and completes the expected tasks. Sometimes unexpected life events happen, but even in these cases, a dependable caregiver knows to communicate if they are running late or have a conflict.
Trustworthiness
Caregivers provide care in many settings. They might work in a person’s home, a school, and medical facilities, among other locations. Good caregivers instill trust in their clients regardless of their work environment. For example, if a caregiver works in a client’s home, the client should be able to trust the caregiver around their belongings.
Compassion
Compassion is foundational for anyone in a caring profession. It’s how you treat your client as you’re caring for them, to show them that you’re there to help, not hurt. A compassionate caregiver uses both empathy and action to help improve their clients’ lives.
For example, if the caregiver works in health care, being compassionate could mean extending a listening ear and taking appropriate action based on what’s heard. Maybe the patient doesn’t have great vision and they miss a family member or friend. A compassionate caregiver may help them make a phone call or write a letter to the person they miss.
Attentive
Good caregivers are attentive to their clients. They respond to and understand their client’s needs. They can also anticipate needs before they arise.
For example, a caregiver who works in a school setting with children may show attentiveness by keeping an eye out for anyone who looks like they might need a bathroom break, before it becomes urgent. They would also recognize the children’s needs and may reduce stimulation in a room or provide a snack if a child seems hungry.
Patience
Patience is an essential quality in caregivers. Being a caregiver is a challenging role, but someone else is dependent on you and it’s important that you’re able to remain calm and collected in many different situations.
Depending on the situation, a client may need significant help with what might be simple activities of daily living for other people. This could include assistance with eating, drinking, and bathing, among other help.
Clients may also be particular and like things done a certain way. Having limited independence can be challenging for many. However, having both patience and empathy can go a long way toward helping someone feel validated and heard.
If you’re a caregiver who embodies these qualities and is looking for part-time work, or in search of a new position, consider working with Arbor Associates. We’re a health care and educational staffing firm dedicated to serving you, while you serve others. Explore our open positions and reach out to a recruiter with any questions. Arbor Associates is dedicated to matching the right caregivers with the right employers.
