Wheelchair Accessible Lifestyle

Menu
  • HOME
  • TRAVEL
  • STORE
  • PODCAST
Banner
Menu
  • HOME
  • ROMANCE
    • DatingA man and woman laying in bed
    • Close
  • DESIGN AND ACCESS
    • Stock Photosyoung woman sitting on a wheelchair with a laptop while another woman assisting her while standing
    • Drop the High Tops – A Campaign for Accessible Seatinga bar with people sitting in high top tables
    • Close
  • LIFESTYLE
    • Beauty and FashionKim is sitting on a Wheelchair and posing confidently
    • Our Wheely Favorite ThingsYoung disable women exercising in the park
    • Sport & Recreationman in wheelchair playing basketball at indoor court
    • Reviewsquadshox suspension
    • TravelPL-MA5KSTO_original
    • Close
  • INSPIRATION
    • QuotesDeborah Davis Speaker
    • Voices of the CommunityYoung woman sitting in a wheelchair looking sad
    • Wit and WisdomYoung mother in a wheelchair making cupcakes with her children
    • The Quirky Quad DiariesA women sitting on a chair smiling and getting a biofeedback
    • Close
  • HEALTH
    • The Rollin RN – Patty Kunze
    • Close
  • NEWS
    • Arts & Entertainmentbridget shown in wheelchair singing into a microphone
    • News and EventsA women being carried off by two officers
    • Close
  • LAW AND ADVOCACY

How to Hire and Keep Caregivers

caregiver for disabled person
I’ve had a good experience with almost all of my caregivers, and I have maintained some great friendships. I’m very happy with my caregiving situation, but like many people, I hate the training process so my goal is always to find someone for long term care. As a quadriplegic, I need help with many things, and I require help mostly in the mornings and a little at night. Choosing the right caregiver is just like starting a relationship, and you need to find a good fit.
 
Over the years, I’ve learned what my preferences are. When reviewing candidates, I make sure they have reliable transportation and that they live close. I also prefer fit women in their 20s with no children. Their personality is more important than their experience, and in fact, I prefer them to have next to no experience. With little experience, they learn my routine and don’t tell me how to do it. If all they’ve done is taken care of elderly patients, I don’t hire them because their expectation is to sit and hang out. Once I’ve written and posted my ad on Craigslist, the interviews begin.
 
In the interview, I pay attention to how fast they walk and talk because that speaks to how quickly they work. If they’re late, no matter how awesome they are, they aren’t getting the job. Also, it’s worth the time to check their Instagram and Facebook, trust me. I almost hired a young girl once, but checked her Facebook to see nothing but complaints about life and how sad she was all the time. Once I’ve chosen a caregiver, it’s up to me to maintain a good relationship.

 

Pasted File at February 9 2018 1 06 AM 1 1 600x450 - How to Hire and Keep Caregivers

”Remember that you set the tone, you’re the boss.”

 

1. Have Realistic Expectations

Caregivers are human and they make mistakes like the rest of us, and because of that, you must have realistic expectations. It’s easy to be critical, but challenge yourself to encourage as much as you criticize. Sure, caregivers are getting paid, but remember that they’re there to keep you alive, not be your punching bag. If you have a caregiver that is constantly failing to meet your expectations, get a new caregiver. Ultimately, your main concern should be your personal happiness.

2. Be Considerate

I’m not talking about giving them grace if they’re late, I’m talking about their work schedule and flexibility. My two caregivers have a set schedule, but I allow them to trade shifts if I have a few people that can cover. Recognizing that your caregiver has a life, and being sensitive to that, will lead to a happier employee. If I know they have something they want to go to, I’m willing to get up early or hurry that day to get them out sooner.

3. Communicate Effectively

Now this doesn’t mean just clearly stating what you want, it includes the way you deliver your requests. For example, one of my caregivers preferred and responded better to me spouting off multiple requests and a direct tone. Another caregiver I had hated that, so I had to ask for one or two things at a time and provide more detailed requests with a softer delivery. That was fine by me because she was totally worth it. Keep in mind that she didn’t express any of this to me, it was up to me to notice it and adjust my method of communication to be more effective.

Pasted File at February 9 2018 1 07 AM 1 600x450 - How to Hire and Keep Caregivers

4. Keep it Physical

Caregivers are there to provide you with physical care, not to be your therapist, or have you be theirs. Being sad or upset all the time does nobody any good, and when that’s the usual tone, the work environment gets more and more negative. Remember: you set the tone. Is it ok to be sad and upset sometimes? Of course, but if it’s more than 3 times a week, it might be time to get a therapist.

5. Don’t Abuse Kindness

Sure, some caregivers don’t want to work, but there are also those that are people pleasers. Don’t take advantage of the pleasers who can’t say no, caregivers need downtime too. If your caregiver goes out of the way to go above and beyond, be sure to reward them. Obviously, words of affirmation are most important, but also having your caregiver’s favorite drinks or snacks shows you care about them and it strengthens the relationship. Does it have to be drinks and snacks? No, but doing a little something for a good caregiver goes a long way.

6. Be Kind

Always keep in mind that caregivers are people, not personal slaves. I can’t even count the times I’ve seen disabled people being rude to their caregivers. I understand being disabled can be frustrating and infuriating at times, but that doesn’t give you permission to treat your employees terribly. If your caregiving situation sucks, the odds are you’ve hired the wrong person or you’re creating a hostile environment. For those of you that can’t choose your caregiver, it’s that much more important for you to set a positive tone.

Pasted File at February 9 2018 1 06 AM 3 600x450 - How to Hire and Keep Caregivers
There’s so much more than just six elements that lead to a successful patient/caregiver relationship. The patient (a.k.a. the boss) is truly responsible for the work environment and relationship that follows hiring.

Overall what I’m saying is to think about how you treat those caring for you, and choose to be kind. Your relationship will flourish. Beyond that, establish healthy boundaries. When I was younger and less assertive, I had a caregiver that would bring her two kids to work more than three times a week. I needed her so I allowed it, even though they would come and destroy my house. I finally let her go, and I’ve come to realize that I don’t need anyone in particular, I just need someone. There are TONS of wonderful caregivers out there, so don’t ever feel that you’re stuck with someone.

  • About the Author
  • Latest Posts
14800856 10154061241357058 285689800 n - How to Hire and Keep Caregivers

Gina Schuh

Gina, a C-5/6 quadriplegic, describes herself as a “politically incorrect foodie who is an equal opportunity offender.” Beyond that, Gina is a law school graduate who grew up on a farm in California. Gina’s true passion is food, and you’ll often find her posting food pictures on her Instagram (OopsIBrokeMyNeck).

Raised by a strong mother who had an insatiable appetite for any educational psychology materials, Gina swears she was raised by an unlicensed psychologist which led to her being so introspective.

After people observed her success in dating, they asked for tips, which eventually led to her regular contribution here at PUSHLiving on issues of dating, disability parking, and medical supply reimbursement, leading to the role of Editor of Law & Advocacy.

  • Inappropriate Questions: No Disability and Necrophilia are Not the Same - April 24, 2020
  • Window Shopping Dating Apps in the Time of Coronovirus; Rolling with Gina - April 16, 2020
  • The Escalating Abuse of Disabled Parking - November 19, 2019
  • Forced Poverty - June 4, 2019
  • ADA Fails to Regulate Bed Heights in Hotels – FIGHT BACK NOW! - February 27, 2019
  • Miraculous Paralysis Recovery Specialist Ken Bryant – Is He for Real? - August 22, 2018
  • How to Hire and Keep Caregivers - February 12, 2018
  • Into the Minds of Devotees & Admirers of Women with Disabilities - December 20, 2017
  • Gina is On a Roll: Success in Dating with a Disability - December 10, 2017
  • Being In a Wheelchair Makes You an Inspiration or No? - November 28, 2017
View All Posts
Facebook Instagram

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Health, Magazine, PUSHLiving Tagged With: caregiver for disability, caregivers, caregivers for disabled adults, caregivers support, disability caregiver jobs, home care for disabled adults, home caregivers jobs, PushLiving, residential care homes for disabled

Browse our Photo Gallery

http://photoability.net/

Browse Our Categories

  • Arts & Entertainment (29)
  • Beauty and Fashion (11)
  • Concierge Travel (3)
  • Dating (35)
  • Design & Access (46)
  • Disability Law (10)
  • Featured (7)
  • Health (93)
  • Imagery (7)
  • Inclusive Tours (6)
  • Inspiration (101)
  • Law and Advocacy (24)
  • Lifestyle (90)
  • Magazine (371)
  • News (23)
  • News & Entertainment (40)
  • News and Events (3)
  • Our Wheely Favorite Things (8)
  • Podcast (34)
  • PUSHLiving (449)
  • Quotes (38)
  • Reviews (7)
  • Romance (51)
  • Sport & Recreation (11)
  • The Quirky Quad Diaries (44)
  • The Rollin RN – Patty Kunze (19)
  • Travel (60)
  • Travel Deals (15)
  • Uncategorized (2)
  • Voices of the Community (36)
  • Wit and Wisdom (17)

PUSHLIVING

Charitable Fund
Contact Us
Advertise with us
Write for Us
Resources
Notices

About

PUSHLiving is your gateway to accessible travel, lifestyle and shopping. Disabled Living Magazine, Accessible Travel, Inclusive Imagery, Mobility Shop.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER


 

Copyright © 2022 Push Living, Inc. Reproduction of material from any PUSHLiving.com pages without written permission is strictly prohibited.
PUSHLiving.com articles: Copyright © 2022 All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

STAY IN THE KNOW
Subscribe to PUSHLiving's newsletters so you never miss out on new features, podcasts, travel opportunities, news or fabulous items for your Wheelchair Lifestyle
Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.