HealthBridge's In-Home Care Blog

Malcolm Gladwell calls it thin slicing. 

I had always heard that a first impression is made in the first two minutes you meet someone.  Gladwell says it's much, much faster. 

Two seconds.  Maybe three.

We all know how important first impressions are, but what can people do to make a great first impression?  

We recently conducted an intense study of our very best caregivers.  We wanted to find out what made them tick.  We also wanted to find out what lessons we could learn to help good senior caregivers become great.  

Last week, I shared the results of the first question we asked about special skills that make great caregivers.  

The second question we asked was, "How do great caregivers make a strong first impression?" The word cloud above is a visual representation of their responses. Below, are the unedited responses from a sampling of our very best caregivers.  

How do superstar caregivers make a great first impression?

• take a deep breath, get excited, listen, make eye contact, appear sincere, greet them with "I've been looking forward to meeting you!"
• professional appearance, pleasant tone of voice
• show the client you are 100% focused on him/her, appreciate the client just the way they are, don't ever show a disgusted face
• enter with positive energy
• smile, introduce yourself, professional appearance (ironed, not too much make up), tell them why you are here, ask them how they are doing today
• smile, be friendly, do not be too talkative...LISTEN
• eye contact, calm smile, act happy to be there, be fairly quiet and observe, let them ask questions, respond immediately to requests
• act as if you have known them before, don't be closed off or nervous, friendly but not over the top - like you are an old friend
• friendly greeting, smile, well groomed
• smile, introduce yourself, wear your uniform with your badge, make eye contact, good posture don't intimidate
• introduce yourself, ask likes/dislikes & do it their way, keep a smile on your face
• listen and learn
• introduction ("good morning!"), don't act like you are in a hurry, take your time (it will relax them), good attitude
• smile, arrive familiar with the client, get to work
• introduce yourself, wash your hands, wear your badge, say who you are with and what you are there to do
• "hello," make eye contact, ask them what they like - ask their way, make them feel independent - have them assist you
• ask questions, see what else you can help with
• friendly, genuine, ask how they are doing, introduce yourself, listen, let them know what you are there to do

What did your caregiver do to make a strong first impression? What would you recommend?