If you’re thinking about hiring a home caregiver, knowing what to expect can help. In many ways, the service you receive depends on your preferences and needs. This can also extend to what your caregiver wears.
It’s common to think that caregivers have a universal uniform, like firefighters or nurses. In reality, caregivers can wear different clothing options to provide service to their clients. Let’s explore some of the clothing options for caregivers. As a bonus, hear from our agency directors about the dress codes for caregivers.
What Caregivers Wear to Work
Depending on your service and mutual preferences, your caregiver can wear any practical outfit that gets the job done. Here are the most common 3 types of caregiver outfits:
Scrubs
Many caregivers wear scrubs during their shifts due to their comfort and practicality. Scrubs come in various colors and patterns, but some companies may require caregivers to wear specific branded scrubs. Well-fitting scrubs are a functional choice in the caregiving field, similar to business-casual attire in other industries.
However, the decision to wear scrubs can depend on the preference of the employer or client. For example, Lauren Malik, Agency Director in Irvine, CA, requires scrubs on the first shift, but clients may request caregivers to dress differently afterward.
Caregiver Uniforms
After scrubs, another common caregiver outfit is a branded uniform, which can vary by agency. This might include a company badge, paired with polos and khakis, or branded shirts and jeans. The specific attire depends on the home care agency’s requirements. Uniforms help ensure that caregivers are appropriately dressed for their role and are easily recognizable when providing care.
At our Columbus, OH, office, Agency Director Tiffani Hardin gives caregivers the option to wear either khaki or black pants paired with a plain polo shirt. Additionally, caregivers must wear a Caring Senior Service name badge, ensuring a professional and easily recognizable appearance.
Everyday Clothing
If you prefer, caregivers can also wear their own everyday clothing while assisting in your home. It’s common for seniors to request this, especially for outings to stores, events, or other social functions. Many caregivers also appreciate the comfort and familiarity of wearing their clothing, which helps them feel more natural while working.
Shelley Ballinger-Adkins, Agency Director in Houston, TX, has had clients express preferences for caregivers to dress in everyday attire rather than scrubs, saying, “I don’t want my caregiver to wear scrubs. I want them to be my friend.” Sometimes, dressing in personal clothing can help foster a closer relationship between the caregiver and the client.
Other Clothing Considerations
Regardless of the outfit choice, practicality is always a priority for caregiver clothing. Caregivers need clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in. Outfits should also be easy to clean and resist damage and stains.
When considering what you want your caregiver to wear, keep these caregiver priorities in mind:
- Close-toed shoes: Closed-toed shoes help protect a caregiver’s feet from potential hazards or messes they may encounter throughout the day. They also help provide stability. Ballinger-Adkins emphasizes that caregivers should also have shoes lower than 1/4″ to help them avoid falls at work.
- Comfortable & practical: Caregivers need clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in. Caregivers often help seniors with their mobility, which can be a strenuous task. Comfortable and practical clothes ensure that caregivers are ready to help with whatever task is at hand.
- Easily washable: Caregiving can involve personal care tasks, meal preparation, and other tasks that could get messy. A caregiver’s outfit should be easy to clean and resistant to staining.
Accessories & Hygiene
Caregivers must also carefully consider accessories and personal hygiene when providing care to older adults.
- Nails: Rachelle Ehlert from Caring Senior Service HQ advises caregivers to maintain proper nail hygiene by keeping them trimmed and clean. This ensures the health and safety of both the caregiver and the client because long or dirty nails can pose hygiene risks in caregiving environments.
- Jewelry: Clients might prefer caregivers to look stylish with jewelry, but safety is key. Caregivers should avoid dangling earrings or necklaces because clients may accidentally grab them. Ehlert also warns that bracelets could scratch a client’s skin, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful accessory choices.
- Perfumes: Caregivers typically avoid strong perfumes because strong smells can cause adverse reactions or discomfort for seniors. However, preferences can vary based on individual clients. For example, Hardin mentions that her agency serves two blind clients who prefer their caregivers to wear specific scents, as this helps them identify the caregiver by smell.
- Personal Hygiene: Personal hygiene for caregivers ensures a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for the seniors in their care. Good hygiene helps prevent the spread of germs and infections, particularly in elderly clients who may have weakened immune systems. It also promotes professionalism and respect for the client, enhancing trust and comfort.
- Bags: Caregivers often carry bags with them to keep personal items organized and accessible throughout their workday. The best bags for caregiving work are easy to clean and have pockets to keep items neatly separated. Additionally, a bag that zips completely closed helps ensure everything inside stays secure and sanitary, protecting both the caregiver and the client.
What Should Your Caregiver Wear?
Ultimately, what your caregiver wears will depend on your preferences. As the client, you can make key decisions in how your caregiver dresses on the job. You may feel more comfortable working with a medical professional in scrubs, or maybe scrubs make you uncomfortable.
For clients who don’t have a preference, it’s up to the caregiver agency or the individual caregiver. Whether you expect to see scrubs or personal clothing, remember that there’s no real dress code for caregiving other than practicality. Talk with your home care services provider about what you’d like your caregiver to wear!
