When it comes to recruiting carers for at-home roles, be they live-in opportunities or more traditional jobs with set working hours and schedules, every client has their own specific needs and preferences.
Many of these are dictated by the individual case – that is, the level of care required by the individual who needs support – as well as by the needs of the family members around them.
Working as a carer, more often than not, combines physical tasks with emotional support and with providing support and companionship to the clients. So, when it comes to recruitment for carers, what are the traits and characteristics that clients should prioritise, and what are the key hallmarks of a good carer?
1. Excellent Communication
Your carer needs to be able to communicate effectively, both with the individual in need of care, and with their family and friends. From managing daily routines and tasks to providing companionship to the client, communication is important across every aspect of the job.
As a prospective client, you can learn about the communication efficiencies of candidates during their interviews. Ask conversational questions to learn more about them as a person, as well as a professional carer.
2. Proactive and Independent
Another hallmark of a good carer is reliable independence and a proactive approach to work. In short, it means that they will get on with the job and with different tasks without being constantly told what to do.
When dealing with care at home, this is one of the most important skills that we look for as it can be very difficult to predict or plan for the needs of individuals requiring home care. The ideal carer for the job will be able to deal with situations as they arise, will respond positively to challenges, and will keep a cool and calm head no matter what they are dealing with.
3. Caring and Patient
Finally, the right carer for you will offer a blend of professionalism and patience – underpinned by care and kindness. At the end of the day, the role of a carer is to offer care, with every individual having their own preferences when it comes to how that care is handled.
The right carer will recognise and learn the different needs of the individual in their charge and will adapt their working style to complement those needs – always showing great levels of patience and flexibility.
Finding all of these characteristics requires a comprehensive recruitment process – and that’s where professional recruitment partners come in. From creating job listings to fielding applications and interviews, let a specialist domestic care recruitment partner offer the support you need to identify the best individual for the role and onboard them into a position that they will be happy with.
It all starts with a phone call to your local recruitment team…
