Caregivers play an integral role in their clients lives, allowing many clients to successfully age in place, in their homes. When hiring caregivers, people are often focused on their professional skills and qualifications. These skills are undeniably important. However equally, if not more important, is the personal relationship between the caregiver and the client.

Below are 5 steps towards building a strong and successful client – caregiver relationship

#1 Relationships are a balancing act

Relationships, including those with your caregiver, are a careful balancing act between transparency and privacy. Knowing more about your caregiver, their backgrounds and their interests may help you develop confidence in the care that they provide and the decisions that they make. However, some caregivers could find some questions intrusive, and they may be uncomfortable about some questions invading their privacy

In addition, caregivers need to respect their client’s privacy and under no circumstance should they share personal information about a client or others.

#2 Explain the role from the beginning

Often relationships breakdown over misunderstandings. The best way to avoid these misunderstandings is to be upfront from the beginning. Different caregiving assignments can have dramatically different tasks. Thus, it is essential that the client and/or his/her family clearly articulate what they expect from their caregivers. Specific tasks should be spelled out, as well as how the client wants these tasks to be performed. It is important that the caregiver raises questions if tasks are not clear or new duties are assigned after the caregiver starts the job.

#3 Trust your caregiver

Trust is another critical aspect of building a successful relationship, and part of trust is not micromanaging your caregiver. Often, clients and their families have never been in the position of needing a caregiver before. This often makes people feel vulnerable, and human nature after reacts to venerability with a desire to micromanage situations. However, micromanaging is very frustrating for caregivers, and frustration may make them leave their role.

#4 Patience is critical

Patience is critical to any caregiver-client relationship. It is important to remember that patience works both directions. A caregiver needs to demonstrate patience towards a client. This means recognizing that it may be difficult for many adults to embrace the aging process, and it can be hard for people who have always been independent to accept help with day-to-day tasks.

Caregivers must be willing to be proactive in addressing clients’ concerns and needs.

#5 Listening is a key to a strong and long-term relationship

Often, in the modern and hassled world, we are not good at listening. People often spend far more time talking. But listening is critical to a successful relationship between a caregiver and a client. It is important for a caregiver and a client. It is important for a caregiver to listen to the concerns that a client may have about the aging process or their medical concerns. It’s not uncommon for a client to feel scared or frustrated. When a caregiver hears about their clients’ concerns, they can offer encouraging words.

The 5 steps mentioned above can make for a strong client-caregiver relationship. When caregivers and clients from a genuine bond, they’ll feel comfortable asking each other for help and having honest communication. The relationship between a caregiver and client is an intimate one and includes difficult scenarios. However, when you are properly layout expectations, have contingency plans, and listen more than you talk – you’ll be able to create a long- lasting bond. These strong relationships will often boost the client’s health, both physically and emotionally, which is always a win.

At Humble Homecare Services, we understand the importance of hiring a caregiver you trust and who feels like a part of the family. Let us help you find the perfect caregiver by calling us at (978)- 764-5296 or visit our website