5 Steps for Using Elderly Companion Care to Build a Strong Client-Caregiver Relationship

Visiting Angel’s elderly companion care is top-notch for seniors in Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas. 

Elderly companion care providers have an essential role in the lives of their clients; they make it where clients can live safely and comfortably at home. When searching for an elderly care companion provider, you should focus on their professional skills and qualifications and how they relate to your loved one. Sadly, there is not much research done between clients and caregivers; most studies are focused on family caregivers and the challenges this poses. Our team at Visiting Angels has compiled this list of 5 steps that your senior can use towards creating a solid and successful client-caregiver relationship. 

Relationships Are a Balancing Act 

All relationships (including those with an elderly companion care provider) should balance transparency and privacy. It is best to know your caregiver well (such as their backgrounds and interests). There are some questions that caregivers may find intrusive and uncomfortable answering.  Now, elderly companion care providers should also approach their position with the same understanding. They need to respect the client and their circumstances and never share their personal information. 

It’s wise to simply avoid some topics, such as politics, religion, and personal finance, as well as questions about sexuality and dating. Issues that are typically a safe space, such as questions about sports, hobbies, and travel, can help create that bond between the elderly companion care provider and the client. 

Explain the Role from the Beginning 

 Typically, relationships break down over simple misunderstandings. The most effective way to avoid this is to be upfront and vocal from the get-go. All caregiving assignments have vastly different tasks-- this is why it is critical for the client and their family to clearly express what is expected from their elderly companion care provider. If specific tasks are expected, they should be clearly defined along with how it is expected to be performed. Caregivers should also raise any questions or concerns if their tasks are not presented clearly, or if new expectations are added after they have begun their job. Having these early conversations can help avoid any future frustrations. 

Having these conversations can be tough, but they can genuinely help avoid any future frustrations. If you have pressing issues, the next step is to involve the elder companion care agency to mediate the dispute or find another elderly companion care provider. 

Trust Your Caregiver

Trusting your caregiver is essential to building a successful and safe relationship. More often than not, clients and their families have never found themselves in this position of needing a caregiver; this can tend to make them feel vulnerable. Human nature is to react to vulnerability with a desire to micromanage situations. It can be frustrating for caregivers that are being micromanaged, and frustration may lead to them leaving their roles. 

It may be difficult, but it’s crucial to let go of the reins a little and trust the process. Elderly companion care providers are hired because of their expertise and experience. 

Patience Is Critical 

In every situation, especially with elderly companion care, patience is crucial. It would be best to remind yourself that it is needed on both ends of this relationship; caregivers should demonstrate patience towards the client and vice versa. An example would be when a caregiver doesn’t do a task the same way the client would have; this does not mean it is wrong. It merely means that it is a different approach. When both sides demonstrate patience, trust-based relationships are built and sustained. 

Listening Is a Key to a Strong and Long-term Relationship 

Listening is critical for a successful relationship between an elderly companion care provider and client. Care providers should listen to any concerns from the client, even if the client seems frustrated. When a client feels and is heard, they can feel encouraged. Moral support is the best way to support a client rehabbing from an injury or illness. It can also help build a meaningful relationship. 

Build A Trust-Based Relationship 

Caregivers are a necessary part of the US Healthcare system, and they only become more critical as Americans continue to age. Other healthcare systems don’t allow caregivers to be welcomed into the client’s home and become a part of the family. Elderly companion care providers are close to the client and their family, which is how and why they can develop a strong bond with everyone involved. 

Caregivers can use multiple steps to create a strong relationship, and these that we have listed take a conscious effort on the part of everyone involved. 

Contact Visiting Angels of Virginia Beach to learn more about our companion care services.