By Jennifer Faulkinberry, SHRM-CP, Executive Director of Talent Acquisition
As Executive Director of Talent Acquisition, I often talk with new hires and speak at Country Meadows manager orientations. In every situation, I refer to three qualities again and again: heart, care and compassion. Those words embody the Country Meadows culture, and each co-worker in our top-rated senior living communities strive to live up to our mission.
Everyone who applies is asked, “Why did you choose Country Meadows?” We want to know what brought someone to us and what senior living means to them. After all, there were lots of jobs they could have applied for, yet they applied for this one. Why?
It turns out that caregiving is one of those careers where a resumé does not always tell the full story. Someone may have never worked in senior living, yet they may have cared for a grandparent, helped a family member through a hospital stay or supported someone during a difficult transition. These experiences may reveal that someone has the heart and natural ability to be an exceptional caregiver.
We are looking for an applicant who wants more than a job; we’re seeking people who are looking to make a difference. Whatever the role, we are most interested in people who understand that serving the residents of top-rated senior living communities like ours takes empathy and a genuine desire to help.
Patience matters because residents are navigating change
Moving into senior living can be an exciting next chapter, but it can also be a significant adjustment. Residents may be experiencing physical changes, cognitive changes, mobility challenges or frustration over things that once came easily.
That is why patience and emotional intelligence are so important in caregivers. A community member who is frustrated about needing help with dressing, bathing, mobility or another personal need may not always express that frustration perfectly. But skillful caregivers recognize what may be behind that moment. Rather than taking it personally, they try to understand that person’s perspective and respond with patience.
For me, one of the most important qualities in a caregiver is the ability to “meet the residents where they are.”
Flexibility is part of that, too. After all, no two shifts are exactly the same. A support professional may arrive expecting to work on one hall and then need to move because a schedule had to be changed. An individual may return from the hospital. Another resident may suddenly need more help. Things change, and good co-workers adjust in the moment and focus on where they are needed most.
Dependability is critical for top-rated senior living communities
At the same time, our care support team members need to be dependable because our residents depend on them–continuity and consistency are essential in providing quality care. . A person may develop a strong sense of trust with a co-worker who helps with personal needs such as bathing, dressing, toileting and hygiene. The familiar and dependable presence of one of our caregivers can provide comfort, stability and ultimately peace of mind.
That consistency matters to the entire team of co-workers, too. Country Meadows caregivers work together, so co-workers need to know they can depend on one another. We must rely on each other, so dependability is naturally important.
Relationships are built through small things
The best caregivers build trust through everyday details. If a resident likes her bed made a certain way, we try to make it that way. If she has always folded her dish towels a particular way, that matters. Those things may sound small, but these kinds of actions communicate something bigger: We see you. We know you. Your preferences still matter.
Moving to Country Meadows is not about giving something up. It can also mean gaining new relationships, experiences through our exceptional Dynamic Living programming and enjoying the care that top-rated senior living communities offer. Our caregivers are foundational to providing a great, home-like experience.
Caregiving is meaningful work … and real work!
I also think it is important to be realistic about caregiving. It can be emotionally demanding because our co-workers do form connections. But every professional relationship must have a beginning and an end. Eventually, residents move to different care levels, leave the community or pass on. Whenever transitions happen, no matter what the reason our team members often feel a sense of loss, but they are also comforted because they know that they helped comfort and care for a resident during an important chapter.
And let’s face it, caregiving can also be physically demanding. Our teams are on their feet, moving from resident to resident all during their shift, and sometimes assisting people with mobility. It takes energy, teamwork and stamina.
I really do believe caregiving is more than simply a paycheck. Yes, it’s rewarding to work at top-rated senior living communities, but it’s also great to leave at the end of the day feeling that you made a difference. This can be incredibly rewarding work.
I’m proud to say that we have care professionals who have been with Country Meadows for decades. To do this work well and for the long term takes a special person. Skills can be taught. Processes can be learned. But the qualities that make someone truly suited to caregiving often begin somewhere deeper. Here, we recruit for capabilities and hire for character.
It starts with heart, care and compassion. And continues with patience, dependability and the desire to make someone else’s day a little better.
