1. What made you decide to become a Caregiver?
In my personal growth, I am slowly finding my purpose in life. I find so much joy and appreciation for life after spending time with the elderly, and helping comes so naturally to me.
2. What does professionalism mean to you?
Showing respect for others at all times when speaking (manners). Dressing appropriately. Being reliable, punctual, staying on task.
3. What does preparation mean to you in regards to your workday?
Getting clothes, bags, and snacks, etc done the day before. Reading emails before work, leaving inadequate time in regards to traffic, unexpected accidents.
4. What does framework mean to you in the caregiver arena?
Finding out limitations; medical, food allergies, doctor appointments. Med schedule, walks, yoga (introduce), cleaning, cooking times.
Purpose: To get to know the client and show compassion for each need they have. Also to make sure we are both on the same page, communication is key.
5. How are you meeting the needs of others as a Caregiver/PCA/LNA/Nurse?
Cooking with regard to any dietary restrictions if needed. Maintaining personal care, mental wellness. Cleaning doing fun activities, going places.
6. Professionalism: How do you take responsibility for yourself?
Attitude: Try to keep a positive attitude in all situations
Mood: Monitor my mood with healthy snacks, fun activities
Motivation: My family always motivates me
Job knowledge: Learning is always happening, job knowledge comes with experience.
Compassion: When working with the elderly I always think about the hard life they may have lived, and how hard it must be trying to live in a world they may no longer understand.
7. Preparation: How do you reduce risk to yourself and your client?
Communicating the risk the client already has and learn what needs to be done to prevent accidents and ER visits.
8. What does proper attire mean to you?
Closed shoes, clean shoes & socks. Dressing for the weather, nothing sexy or showing a lot of skin.
9. What does proper mobility mean to you?
Reliable car in any weather, knowledge of parking in high populated areas, walking, help with walking/stairs, getting up/down from their chair/bed.
10. What precautions do you take?
Washing my hands frequently, always asking if they need a helping hand, looking for answers if I don’t know them.
11. What observations do you make when working?
Lack of eating/drinking, the color of skin, lack of meds taking, likes & dislikes of activities, attitude changes, family members & their names, monitor doc appointments/bills, facial twitches, help with social media, eye movements.
12. What does self-control mean to you?
This means being able to control myself in difficult situations.
13. What does it mean to follow a care plan?
Taking meds at certain times, eating/exercising, doc appointments, care, and wellness.
14. What is proper communication?
Talking with respect and listening without taking things personally. Having an open mind to other’s opinions and beliefs.
15. How do you maintain a proper environment?
Clean as I go while cooking, organize when needed. Picking up trash daily. Communicating any concerns/needs respectfully.
16. How do you maintain meeting the basic needs of your client?
Cooking healthy meals, cleaning past their expectations. Maintaining meds/doctors appointment schedules. Doing fun outdoor/indoor activities. Keeping overall morale up.
18. How do you handle the unexpected?
Deep breaths, assess the situation, think/do what’s needed to stay calm, and execute the next steps in a calm manner.
19. What does proper documentation look like?
non-expired IDs, photo Rx cards that match IDs, driver’s license.
20. How do you review and improve?
Weekly go over how things went and add notes to existing client’s chart. Take notes on ways to improve the lives of clients, try new things weekly.
