Those who provide professional care for others tend to be naturally benevolent and kind. But it’s not uncommon for senior living caregivers to offer much more.
Employees who bring these special traits are invaluable to the community and the older and often more vulnerable residents they serve.
Exceptional senior living caregiver traits
Caregivers who possess and express such an extraordinary level of compassion help their residents live a higher quality of life. The following are 10 outstanding traits that every senior living community strives to discover in those they hire:
Caregiver trait #1: They go beyond what is required
These employees don’t stop where their job descriptions end. If a resident could benefit from additional interaction or care, it is offered. They are willing to do what is necessary to ensure that residents are assisted to manage their daily needs – but to also engage with others in the community and embrace the richness of life.
Caregiver trait #2: They are empathetic and considerate
While caregivers tend to have compassionate personalities, those who work in senior living seem to possess the additional trait of empathy. They are able to put themselves in the resident’s place and understand the many challenges they may be facing. These employees provide care that serves the residents’ needs but also helps them maintain as much independence and dignity as possible.
Caregiver trait #3: They see each resident as an individual
Senior living caregivers understand that the residents are individuals with a history, personal preferences, likes and dislikes, families and hopes about the future. They don’t treat those they care for as a group or stereotype, but as the man or woman who has lived a rich life and deserves to continue to do so.
Caregiver trait #4: They gain additional skills and knowledge
High-quality caregivers take pride in their work and often hold themselves to greater standards than what may be required for their position. They take advantage of classes or other opportunities to learn more about certain skills or approaches which can contribute to their residents receiving and enjoying the highest level of care possible.
Caregiver trait #5: They provide companionship
Exceptional caregivers understand that to be a friend, to linger a little longer so that a resident can tell a story or share a recollection is as important as it is to help them get dressed or assist with dining. Loneliness can be a detrimental part of growing older and an excellent caregiver recognizes the importance of connections and relationships.
Caregiver trait #6: They get to know each resident
Excellent caregivers find the time to get to know their residents individually. They understand how to build a solid relationship with those they care for, encouraging the individual to recognize that he or she is worth getting to know. This also greatly benefits residents if their health begins to decline as the caregiver may notice any changes earlier.
Caregiver trait #7: They bring a positive outlook to work every day
Caregiving can be difficult work. And most caregivers are also juggling other responsibilities at home. But excellent caregivers find a way to set aside any distractions in their personal life and focus on their work. They place a priority on showing up every day with a positive outlook and to be fully present with the residents.
Caregiver trait #8: They provide quality of care to every resident
Older adults are just like everyone else – some have a more pleasant personality than others or are easier to get along with. But a good caregiver recognizes that everyone deserves the highest quality of attention. They also understand that there may be unknown reasons for a resident’s responses and they strive to discover any unmet need and to find ways to positively interact.
Caregiver trait #9: They support their coworkers
Excellent caregivers don’t draw the line at only attending to their residents. They ensure everyone in the community receives the best care possible. If their coworkers need help, they can be relied on to pitch in. They don’t keep score of who is doing the most work but remain committed to making the residents’ needs a priority, no matter who may respond.
Caregiver trait #10: They take care of themselves
Although a common trait of many coworkers is to put the needs of others first and neglect their own health, extraordinary caregivers understand if they don’t take care of themselves, they won’t be able to care for others. They prioritize their own physical, mental and emotional health and maintain a balance between their work and personal lives.
Joining the team at Sinceri Senior Living
Sinceri Senior Living specializes in independent living, assisted living and memory care, fostering deep bonds between those who live and work in our communities – just like families.
We extend our commitment in creating this welcoming environment to our employees who form strong relationships with the residents and their coworkers. In fact, many of our team members think of the community they work in as their second home because of such strong connections.
The caregiver’s role is to first make our residents feel safe and secure. We strive to ensure everyone we hire is generous, compassionate and as committed as we are to provide excellent service at every opportunity.
We understand the stress that caregivers can experience and the challenge in trying to stay one step ahead of what a resident or family member might need or desire. We fully support their efforts as it truly takes a team to provide quality senior care.
If you’re interested in becoming a care partner with Sinceri Senior Living as we strive together to exceed expectations, we hope you’ll be in touch. We invite you to download our complimentary guide, Simple Self-Care for Caregivers and CNAs: 6 Ways to Take Care of Yourself so You can Care for Others.
