Can I have a carer who speaks my loved one's language?
Good communication sits right at the heart of good care. Being able to understand and be understood is how we express what we need, share our stories, enjoy each other's company, and simply feel at ease. So for many families, an important question comes up early on: can we have a carer who speaks our loved one's language?
The answer is that we will always do our very best to make it happen. Here is why it matters so much, and how it works.
Why a shared language matters so much
For any of us, communicating in our first language is easier and more natural. In later life, that comfort can matter even more. A carer who speaks your loved one's language can understand their needs more readily, share proper conversation and companionship, and offer reassurance in the words that feel most familiar and comforting.
There is a particular reason this can be so important for people living with dementia. It is very common for someone with dementia to return to the language of their childhood, even if they have spoken English fluently for decades. When that happens, a carer who shares that first language can make a profound difference, keeping communication, connection and comfort alive when it might otherwise become difficult.
A shared language often brings shared culture with it too, the familiar foods, customs and traditions that help someone feel truly at home in their own company. All of it adds up to a loved one who feels genuinely understood.
Many of our carers speak more than one language
Every one of our carers is fluent in English, and many speak other languages as well. So if a particular language is important to you, there is a good chance we can help. It is one of the many things we consider when finding the right person, so that your loved one is matched not just with a skilled carer, but with someone they can truly connect with. You can read more about how we find the right fit in our guide to deciding on the right carer for you.
How to ask, and what to expect
If a specific language matters to you, simply let us know right at the start. We will build it into our matching process and do our best to find you a wonderful carer who speaks it, alongside everything else that makes a great match. Depending on the language, it may occasionally take a little longer to find exactly the right person, but we will always try our hardest.
Good English, always
Whichever carer your loved one is matched with, you can be confident their English is of a good standard too. We meet every single one of our carers in person, both at their interview and during our training, so we know first-hand that they communicate clearly and warmly. That matters not only for day-to-day care, but for keeping in close contact with family, GPs and other professionals involved in your loved one's care.
Communication that brings comfort
In the end, this all comes down to something simple and important: your loved one feeling genuinely understood, and at ease, with the person looking after them. If a shared language helps with that, we will always do our very best to provide it.
If there is a particular language you are hoping for, just tell us, and we will see what we can do.
Book a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900. We are always happy to help.