Qualities of a Good Support Assistant

At Home Care Preferred, we pride ourselves on our team and the quality of care they provide. We strongly believe that it takes a particular personality and special set of traits to become a good Support Assistant, and that is what we look for every time we recruit a new member of our home care family. Many of these traits are innate and cannot be learned – they are simply a natural part of an individual’s personality.

Friendliness

Support Assistants meet and work with a variety of different clients, and putting them at ease is essential to being able to provide care effectively. Most clients are already vulnerable, so may be distrustful of new people or simply find it difficult to adjust. A friendly demeanour is essential to building a good relationship with each client and putting them at ease.

Patience

Working with people who require support in day to day life requires sensitivity and patience. Many clients want to retain their independence for as long as possible and often prefer to do many tasks themselves but may require support. Remaining calm and patient, no matter how stressful the task, is incredibly important. Anger and irritability are not acceptable traits in a Support Assistant and will prevent them from being able to do their job properly.

Adaptability

Every client’s preferences and routines are different, as are their medical needs. A Support Assistant needs to adapt to each client’s needs rather than trying to use a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Providing home care requires even more adaptability, since facilities will be different for every single client.

Good Listening Skills

Support Assistants must respond to their clients’ needs, but they also work as a friend, companion, and sounding board. Patients often have stories they want to tell or like to confide in their Support Assistants – listening, responding to clients’ needs, and maintaining trust are all essential parts of the job.

Quick Thinking

Caring for people with medical needs means that situations can change quickly. Medical conditions can sometimes worsen, and elderly patients can suffer falls or require urgent attention – a good care giver can think on their feet and react appropriately to any situation that arises. In many cases, quick thinking can save lives.

At Home Care Preferred, we believe these qualities are essential, which is why we ensure that we only employ friendly and patient individuals who genuinely want to help each and every patient they work with.