There are many reasons 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 ones.
- The elderly client may prefer to have a companion or ‘friend’ that is not a family member.
- The primary caregiver may decide they want temporary relief from caregiving duties.
The Ideal Qualifications of a Companion for Elderly Clients
When hiring a companion through an agency, you must choose a companion with the skills, experience, and traits you seek. 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 monitoring the client’s body temperature, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
Your elderly loved one may not require a companion with all the qualifications listed. This is why it is essential to discuss in-home companion care with your loved one and their physician to make the best decision regarding the client’s care.
The Job Expectations for a Companion Providing In-Home Care/Assistance
Before family members actively recruit 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 you want the companion to perform, and it should also have the skills, abilities, experience, and knowledge you are looking for in a companion for your loved one.
For example, you may expect the companion to follow all instructions thoroughly and be receptive to constructive criticism.
If your loved one is on a special diet, you expect the companion to make dietary choices 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.