There are many reasons why adult children decide to hire a companion for elderly parents. Some of the reasons are as follows:
- The elderly client’s family members do not have the proper training or skills to care for the client.
- The elderly client does not have family living nearby.
- Family members do not have time to care for their loved one.
- The elderly client may prefer to have a companion or ‘friend’ that is not a family member.
- The primary caregiver may decide he or she wants temporary relief from caregiving duties.
The Ideal Qualifications of a Companion for Elderly Clients
When you want to hire a companion through an agency, it is important that you choose a companion that has the skills, experience and traits that you are seeking. Most seniors respond well when the caregiver that is providing them with in-home assistance is:
- Patient
- Kind
- Tactful
- Empathetic
- Emotionally stable
- Dependable
- Honest
- Trustworthy
- Comfortable working alone
- Able to follow directions
- Able to solve problems
Some companions also have the training and skills to provide additional care such as the monitoring of the client’s body temperature, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
Your elderly loved one may not require a companion that possesses all of the qualifications listed. This is why it is important to discuss in-home companion care with your loved one as well as their physician so the best decision can be made regarding the client’s care.
The Job Expectations for a Companion Providing In-Home Care/Assistance
Before family members begin to actively recruit for a companion for their senior, they should take a few moments to create a job description list. The list should include all of the duties and tasks that you want the companion to perform, and it should also include the skills, abilities, experience and knowledge that you are looking for in a companion for your loved one.
For example, you may expect the companion to follow all instructions thoroughly, and also be receptive to constructive criticism.
If your loved one is on a special diet, you expect the companion to make dietary choices that are consistent with the diet. The expectations should be the same for all restrictions and special needs that your loved one has.
Family members can avoid the stress of looking for the best companion for elderly loved ones by contacting a reputable agency. The agency will work tirelessly to find a well performing professional companion for your loved one’s in-home care.