Finding nursing staff - honesty as the key to the best care
The search for a caregiver is more than just an organizational task - it is an emotional journey. Exaggerated promises and false expectations often make this journey unnecessarily difficult. But honesty is the compass that will lead you to the right caregiver. In this article, you will find out how to find qualified caregivers and how noracares can support you in the process.
The challenges of finding the right nurse
When relatives come under pressure - A field report
Sabine is under enormous pressure. Her father, once independent and full of life, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The diagnosis has turned her life upside down - in addition to her demanding job and raising her children, she now has to look after a relative who is increasingly dependent on support. For a long time, she thought she could manage everything on her own. But at some point she realized: she needs help.
However, the search for a suitable nurse turned out to be more difficult than expected. At first, she was honest in her ad: she was looking for a caregiver for a dementia sufferers elderly gentlemen with special needs. But after numerous rejections, she relaxed the requirements further and further - until the job advertisement barely reflected the actual care needs.
The consequence? Suitable caregivers, frustration on both sides and a new search.
Lesson: Glossing over the reality often leads to wrong appointments. Open communication helps to find the right care - for relatives and caregivers alike.
Finding Caregivers - The Honest Way to the Best Care
1. Clear definition of care needs
Before you start your search, you should analyze exactly what kind of support you need. The more detailed your requirements are, the more suitable the caregiver can be selected. noracares will help you find a caregiver who exactly matches your relative's needs.
- Basic Care (help with washing, dressing, eating)
- Medical Care (administration of medication, wound care)
- Dementia Care (specialized care for people with cognitive disabilities)
- Society and Mobility Support (accompaniment during activities, walks)
Additional aspects that should be considered:
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Living situation:
- Does the person in need of care live in an apartment or a house?
- Are there certain requirements for the housing situation, e.g. accessibility?e.g. accessibility?
- Can the caregiver possibly also live in the household?
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Location:
- Is the place of residence in the city or in the countryside?
- Are there good public transport connections?
- How is the medical care nearby?
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Technical features:
- Is there an internet connection?
- Are special care aids available (e.g. a care bed)?e.g. a care bed)
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Physical requirements:
- Does the caregiver have to lift heavy loads regularly?
- Are nightly deployments required?
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Personal preferences:
- Are there any particular likes or dislikes regarding the gender or age of the caregiver?
- Does denomination matter?
By taking these additional aspects into account, you can ensure that you find a caregiver who is not only professionally qualified, but also well suited to the living situation and needs of the person in need of care.
2. Trust through honesty - What caregivers should know
"Nursing is not only about professional competence, but also about Empathy and humanity. Honesty is essential here. It creates a connection between people and enables dignified care." - Dr. med. Anna Müller, gerontologist
The following also applies to nursing staff: honesty is the key to a successful collaboration. An application with realistic information about experience and qualifications protects both sides:
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Nurses should state their actual skills to avoid excessive demands.
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Example:❌ Instead of saying "I can do any kind of care" it would be more honest to say: ✔️"I have experience in basic care and caring for people with mild dementia. I need support with special medical tasks."
- Additional qualifications, such as further training in the field of . For example, further training in the field of Dementia care or emergency medicine, should be highlighted.
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Example:✔️ "I have completed further training in dementia care and am therefore particularly well suited to caring for people with cognitive impairments."
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Working hours, salary expectations and personal expectations should be communicated openly.
- Example:✔️ "I can offer flexible working hours, but I need regular breaks at the weekend to recuperate."
- Example: ✔️"I have a specific salary expectation based on my experience and qualifications. However, I am open to negotiation."
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Turnaround:
- Example:✔️ "I prefer a 2-week rotation in order to build a good relationship with those in need of care. However, longer or shorter rotations are also possible."
Smoking:
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Example: ✔️"I am a non-smoker and prefer a smoke-free environment. If this is not possible, we should talk about it in advance."
Break times:
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Example:✔️ "I need regular breaks to recover and get my work done efficiently. We can create a break schedule in advance that suits both sides."
Expectations of the family:
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Example: ✔️"I expect the family to be open and respectful communication. It is important to me to be integrated into the family and to be perceived as part of the team."
3. Care contract: Legal certainty and clear agreements
A clearly defined employment contract creates a reliable basis for both sides. Important points are:
- Working hours and rest periods
- Responsibilities and limits
- Salary and benefits
- Cancellation periods
In Austria and Germany, there are strict regulations for the employment of nursing staff. You can find more information at Ministry of Social Affairs Austria.
4. Using platforms - finding caregivers made easy
The days when nursing staff could only be found through newspaper advertisements are over. noracares offers a digital solution that brings people in need of care and care staff together safely:
- Targeted Matching: according to needs and qualifications
- Direct communication: via a secure chat module
- Transparent Profile: for quality assurance
The search for the right caregiver is an emotional and organizational challenge. But if you are honest about your needs and have realistic expectations, you have the best chance of finding a caregiver who is not only a good fit professionally, but also personally.
Expectation management: A key to success
It is important to understand that no caregiver will be perfect. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. An open conversation about mutual expectations can help avoid misunderstandings and build a good working relationship.
For families: Be realistic about the caregiver's skills and experience. Talk openly about your expectations regarding working hours, tasks and interaction with each other.
For nursing and care staff:Communicate clearly what you can do and where your limits lie. Ask questions if something is unclear and address concerns openly.
One case that particularly stuck in my mind: a family was desperately looking for a carer for their mother with dementia. The first applicants all seemed perfect, but something wasn't right. Then Ms. Schmidt came along. She was honest and open and told us about her strengths and weaknesses. And that was exactly what the family needed. Mrs. Schmidt became a blessing for the family and ensured that the mother was able to lead a dignified life for the rest of her life.
A trusting and open cooperation between those in need of care, Relatives and caregivers not only ensures better support, but also greater satisfaction on both sides. When expectations are clearly communicated and both sides treat each other with respect, a sustainable, appreciative relationship is created.
Your Nora
With noracares, you can find the right caregiver quickly and easily: Thanks to our innovative platform, you can quickly and easily find qualified caregivers who exactly match your requirements. No false promises, no uncertainties - just an honest, direct path to the right care.
Use noracares today to find qualified nurses - transparent, efficient and tailored to your needs!
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- Basic care: Support with everyday tasks such as washing and eating.
- Dementia Care: Specialized care for people with cognitive disabilities.
- Nursing Assistant: Supporting caregivers, but without medical powers.
- 24-hour-care: Caregivers live in the home and are available around the clock.
- Palliative care: Specialized care for terminally ill people to alleviate pain.
