Qualities of being a care at home worker

People working in the care at home sector face a variety of situations and challenges every day. It’s part and parcel of what is a demanding, but also highly fulfilling job – providing care for the most vulnerable in our society.

As a result, these skilled professionals develop and showcase a specific set of personal qualities which allow them to handle everything they face within their roles.

The nature of the wonderful workers that we have is often celebrated in the feedback from our service users and their families.

Here are just some of the qualities that shine through:

1.    Caring

It goes without saying that a caring attitude is one of the most important qualities of working in care at home. Those who have a natural ability to care for others excel in this sector as our service users quickly build a fantastic relationship and rapport with them, which is lasting.  

2.    Empathy/Empathetic

When working in the variety of settings that care at home covers, empathy plays a substantial role in building deep and meaningful human connections, that ensure the highest standard of care is provided. The ability to understand the feelings of others allows care at home workers to ensure that they are not only paying attention to the physical needs of service users, but their psychological needs are also met.

3.    Empowering

The aim of HRM Homecare is to empower our service users to not only live in their own homes, but also live the life that they want with support from our staff. This allows servicer users to be in control of their own wellbeing and the tasks which they undertake, while staff are there to encourage and support.

4.    Respectful

Some service users can initially feel overwhelmed when they begin to receive care at home, especially if they are new to a service or have never received care before. Therefore, it’s a vital part of the job that those working in care at home settings to continually show respect for the needs and wishes of the service user, even in challenging circumstances. Our carers live and breathe by these core values, as does HRM Homecare.

5.    Collaborative

Creating a collaborative environment in which service users are cared for is a team process. It’s vital we ensure that they have their wishes and needs heard and dealt with in a manner which is comfortable to them. Being open to collaboration with service users allows for an open and comfortable environment in which they can express their wishes for they way in which they are cared for – and is something they tell us they greatly value.

6.    Compassionate

Showing compassion is one of the key qualities needed to be a carer. Concern for the wellbeing of others allows those in the sector to continuously ensure the needs of service users are met, and that they are genuinely cared for. In turn it helps service users trust that their carers will raise any concerns they may have about their needs.

7.    Honest

Honesty is a key quality of anyone working in care at home. A good carer is honest in their tasks and continuously shows sincerity towards those they care for.

8.    Trustworthy

It is important that all service users feel safe, and trust is a vital part of ensuring that. Our carers work hard to ensure all service users and their loved ones feel assured that they can trust those who are entering their homes and taking care of their needs.

9.    Accountable

Our carers take great pride in their work and hold themselves responsible for their decisions and the way in which they provide care. This is not only something that is a core value of both HRM Homecare and the Scottish Social Services Council, but also ensures that those who are cared for are treated like an individual and receive the highest standard of care.

10. Supportive

Support in care at home goes beyond the act of physically caring for someone, it is up to those in the field to continuously show supportive behaviour, whether that be words of encouragement or reassuring those that are cared for. This behaviour can be pivotal to the positive progress of service users and our carers take great pride in ensuring they are continuously supportive in all aspects towards them.

If you think you have all these qualities and more, then why not consider a career in care at home?

You may have experience caring for a loved one, or maybe it’s just in your nature to care for those around you. Either way, a role in care can be one of the most emotionally rewarding careers, with no end to the progression and training available.

Contact HRM Homecare today and find out how you can become a carer.