Beginning the search for the right care for an elderly loved one is a major challenge. The difficulty in making the right decision is due to many considerations, and the responsibility we shoulder is considerable. Undoubtedly, each of us would like to provide our loved ones with the best possible help and support. In this situation, an interesting and worth considering solution is 24-hour home care, implemented by experienced caregivers. The residential care model is increasingly popular and many care agencies have such assignments in their offer. When you decide to work with one of them, many questions will arise, and one of them will be your preference for the country of origin of the caregiver to the senior.
Where to find caregivers for the elderly?
The most suitable place to find caregivers for the elderly is the Hrily Care Service platform. There are current offers from many care agencies from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria and other countries. These companies introduce their candidates by posting profiles of caregivers. Each profile has a description of caregiving experience, qualifications, and the scope of work the caregiver can undertake. In addition, the portal allows you to check the rates for caring for seniors and the availability of caregivers for the elderly. Residential jobs are an excellent option for families who want to be sure that their loved one is under constant supervision. So, it’s worth reading about the best 24-hour care services for seniors and considering this model of care when making your choice.
Home-based 24-hour care – an ideal solution?
One option that is gaining in popularity is home-based 24/7 care with residents in the senior’s home. This model of care provides the senior with security and comfort, allowing him or her to stay in their own home, which is an invaluable asset, especially for seniors suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. When the senior stays in his or her own home, rather than in a nursing home, which is often far from where he or she lives, family and loved ones can visit more often. Such a situation is very beneficial to the senior’s well-being and overall condition. At the same time, the family is assured that their loved one is under the constant care of qualified personnel.
What country should your caregiver come from?
The country of origin of the caregiver does not matter much on a general level. What matters most is competence, empathy, and commitment to the job. From every corner of the world come caregivers who can surround their charges with care and love, treating them like their own family. It is crucial, therefore, to look for someone who is qualified and has an approach to his or her work, rather than focusing on the country from which he or she comes.
What does the caregiver’s country of origin affect?
Although a caregiver’s country of origin should not be a key selection criterion, it can make a difference in some aspects. Here are a few points to look out for.
The language of care
Communication is key in caring for the elderly, as it allows for a better understanding of their needs. Therefore, the caregiver needs to speak a language that the elderly person understands. This can be especially important for seniors with communication problems, for whom the language barrier can be an insurmountable obstacle. In addition, people from different countries have more or less of an accent, and in some cases, this can hinder understanding. However, it is not possible to point out that people from any country have greater problems communicating with seniors. Rather, this is a problem that affects individuals, and it is difficult to draw general conclusions on this issue.
Culture
Cultural differences can affect the way care is provided and the relationship between the caregiver and the client. It is therefore worth choosing a caregiver who is open to other cultures and can adapt to the customs of the elderly person’s home.
Experience and qualifications
In some countries, training standards for caregivers are higher than in others. Checking a caregiver’s qualifications and experience, regardless of his or her country of origin, is therefore crucial. However, this is not a clear-cut criterion, for the reason that courses vary in terms of profile, scope of theoretical and practical knowledge, and number of hours.
Empathy and commitment
These qualities are universal and do not depend on the country of origin. A caregiver should, above all, be an empathetic, caring person who is committed to his or her work.
Objective considerations in selecting a caregiver’s country of origin
The selection of a caregiver’s country of origin should not be based on general stereotypes. The key is to take an individual approach to the senior, taking into account his or her resume, experiences, and expectations. The family, by analyzing these aspects, can draw conclusions that will help make the best choice. It is important to consider what country the caregiver should come from, as well as what country it would be better for him not to come from, so that these preferences can be communicated to the care agency, which, with this information, will be able to match the caregiver to the family’s expectations.
The senior’s positive experience
A senior’s previous good experiences with people from a particular country can foster a positive relationship with the caregiver. This can be related to historical or cultural connections, shared interests, or positive travel memories. It is therefore worth listening to the senior’s stories and understanding what aspects can contribute to the senior’s mood and sense of security. For example, a key selection may be when:
- the senior has ancestors originally from Latvia and this is important to him,
- the seniors to be cared for met during a trip to Bulgaria and have gone there many times for tourism,
- the senior loved sailing and any topic associated with the sea is welcome. In this situation, the caregiver could come from Croatia, for example,
- seniors visiting their friends where Polish elderly caregivers worked. If the friends are satisfied with the care and the contact with these people is well associated with them, they will probably mention it to the senior who is now thinking about choosing the right caregiver. Then it is worth considering choosing a caregiver from Poland.
Negative experiences of the senior
On the other hand, negative experiences with a particular country or its people can impinge on the senior’s relationship with the caregiver. In such cases, it is worth considering choosing a caregiver from another country to avoid potential tension and discomfort. Understanding and respecting the senior’s feelings are key here.
Examples of negative feelings toward a particular country may include the following:
- senior was on vacation and was robbed,
- the family was involved in a car accident, as a result of which they were hospitalized for a long time,
- while on vacation, the family tried to communicate in German and none of the locals spoke the language,
- While on vacation, the family came into contact with uncultured people from a particular country, which resulted in resentment towards a particular nation.
Choosing a country of origin for an elderly caregiver is a decision that should be made taking into account the individual experience and preferences of the senior. Openness, empathy, and a willingness to understand the needs of the senior will help in choosing a caregiver who will not only be a support in daily life but also a companion and friend.
What countries do elderly caregivers in Europe come from?
The exact number of elderly caregivers working in Germany can vary from year to year, and depends on how one defines “elderly caregiver.” However, according to data from the past few years, there are hundreds of thousands of elderly caregivers working in Germany.
For example, according to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), about 1.2 million people were working in the elderly and disabled care sector in Germany in 2019. It is worth noting that this figure includes both professional medical caregivers and caregivers assisting with daily activities.
As the German population ages, the demand for caregivers for the elderly continues to grow. In response to this trend, the German government and various organizations are taking steps to increase the number of workers in the elderly care sector. This is being done through financial incentives, vocational training, and other support programs.
There is no precise information on the number of caregivers from each country. However, according to recent surveys, the largest number of caregivers for the elderly comes from Poland, and Ukraine, followed by Romania. This is followed by caregivers from Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Croatia. Less numerous are caregivers from Hungary and Lithuania. If we look at caregivers of the elderly from non-European countries, we see that the largest number comes from the Philippines.
What does the origin of the caregiver influence
A caregiver’s background can affect many aspects of daily life and the relationship with an elderly person, but these issues are not always decisive. Cultural differences can manifest themselves, for example, in the accent, the way they communicate, or the meals they prepare. For example, a caregiver from Croatia may prefer easily digestible meals, while a person from Ukraine may serve more caloric and fatty dishes. Of course, it all depends on each person’s individual preferences and the caregiver’s ability to adapt to the senior’s needs.
It is crucial for a family looking for a caregiver to pay attention to the person’s values, experience, and communication skills. Empathy, patience, and understanding of the senior’s needs are much more important than the country of origin. It is important to choose a caregiver who knows how to build a positive and trusting relationship with the senior, creating a safe and comfortable environment for him or her.
Are caregivers of the elderly from different countries different from each other?
Caregivers from different countries have their unique characteristics, which can be generally described. However, as already mentioned, when choosing a caregiver, it is worth checking what values a particular candidate presents and making a decision based on your preferences.
Caregivers of the elderly from Poland
Caregivers from Poland are known for their high level of professionalism and empathy. Many have extensive experience in caring for the elderly, as well as relevant qualifications and training. Polish staff often choose to learn the language of the country in which they work, making it easier to communicate with their charges. Polish culture, with its strong emphasis on family values and respect for the elderly, makes Poles valued as caregivers.
Caregivers of the elderly from Slovakia
Slovak caregivers are valued for their conscientiousness and reliability. They make sure that the services they provide are of the highest quality. They are also characterized by their care and attention to the elderly. Although there may be language barriers, many caregivers also communicate in other languages. In addition, Slovak culture, like Polish culture, places great emphasis on family values.
Caregivers for the elderly from Croatia
Croatian caregivers are known for their communicativeness and flexibility. They can adapt to the needs and expectations of seniors, offering them appropriate support. Croatian hospitality and the warmth they exude make the elderly feel comfortable and safe. Their patience is also noteworthy, especially when faced with the challenges of caring for seniors.
Caregivers for the elderly from Hungary
Hungarian caregivers are valued for their reliability and punctuality. They make sure that all duties are carried out as agreed. Their empathy and understanding of the needs of the elderly make them highly regarded by families. In addition, Hungarian culture, with its rich traditions and customs, can be an asset to their work.
Caregivers for the elderly from Romania
Romanian caregivers are known for being highly committed to their work and hardworking. They can create a warm and friendly atmosphere, which fosters good relationships with seniors. Although the Romanian language can be a barrier, many caregivers are also fluent in other languages. And Romanian culture, with its unique customs, can be an interesting part of their work.
Caregivers of the elderly from Bulgaria
Bulgarian caregivers are known for their kindness and patience with the elderly. Their care and concern for the welfare of seniors are highly valued.
Caregivers of the elderly from countries outside Europe
Caregivers from countries outside Europe bring cultural diversity and new perspectives to working with the elderly. Their ability to communicate in different foreign languages is an asset, although it can sometimes require additional adaptation on the part of the senior and his or her family. However, the warmth and care they offer know no cultural boundaries.
The characteristics presented highlight the unique qualities and strengths of caregivers from different countries. They can help make an informed decision when choosing the right caregiver for a senior.
In conclusion, a caregiver’s country of origin should not be the decisive criterion in choosing the right person to care for a senior. More important are competence, experience, and, above all, empathy and commitment to the job. By focusing on these very values, we will certainly choose a caregiver who will guarantee our loved ones optimal care.