A carer does more than simply care for a patient. They nurture and assist those in need; making a daily impact to their lives. Carers perform a variety of tasks depending on the needs of the individual they are caring for whether it is medical assistance, preparing meals or even having a friendly chat.
A career in homecare may be something you are considering but are unsure whether you are the right fit. Whilst training works to advance a carer's skills, there are many that come naturally. A carer inhabitants a lot of useful skills they will use everyday to provide the best care to their patients. Here are some skills we believe make a great carer:
Passionate
First and foremost, a carer must be passionate about their job. When we are passionate about what we do, we give 100%. Caregivers who are passionate have a genuine desire to help others and assist in providing a high quality of life. Carers are dealing with people at their most vulnerable with personal care requirements such as going to the toilet or dressing a wound. If you have the natural capacity to be compassionate towards others, you will be rewarded with the knowledge and satisfaction knowing you are making someone's life easier. Care is not a job but a vocation.
Empathy
This is one of the most difficult parts of the job, however, having an empathetic outlook on life is vital for any care worker. Empathy refers to the ability to sense, understand and relate to the thoughts and experiences of others. A carer has the ability to place themselves in the shoes of the people they care for to better understand their needs. Their empathy will also provide them with patience and understanding when patients act in a challenging or aggressive way. Caring for a person’s mental health can be just as crucial as caring for physical health.
Positivity and Friendliness
A smile can sometimes be just as powerful as words. Positivity can help put the worries of patients and their families at ease. It can help the patient feel comfortable which is essential when dealing with personal care requirements. For some patients, a carer may be their only contact during their day. Carers often find that companionship is largely beneficial to those they care for and therefore, friendliness is essential. Every job has it's own difficulties however, maintaining a positive mindset can make a real impact on people's lives.
Patience
Patience is an essential for anyone working in the healthcare industry. No two days are the same in care and the challenges that can occur within elderly or complex care can sometimes leave an patients feeling irritable or confused. Carers need to be understanding in these circumstances in order to assist patients to work through challenges. Avoiding anger and frustration is important as it can affect a care worker's ability to do their job as well as upsetting the patient. It is also key for carers to have patience as care work revolves around moving at the pace of the patient. It is about what you achieve, not how long it takes.
Organisation
As a carer has a diverse range of responsibilities as well as the dependency of a patient's wellbeing and safety; it is crucial to have good organisation skills. During a day's work, a carer may have to wash and feed a patient, tidy and clean their home, administer medication as well as grocery shopping. Remembering these duties and carrying them out in a time effective manner requires the carer to plan a carefully organised approach.
Observant
Being observant ensures a patient’s needs are being met such as eating, drinking and sleep. Since carers spend a lot of time with patients, they can notice changes in an individual’s health which can sometimes be life saving. Good carers save countless lives with their observation skills. Carers may notice the decline in a patients health or whether someone close is not treating the patient properly. It is vital that these things be observed and reported as carers have a duty of care to ensure wellbeing is always being safeguarded.
Good Communication
Having good communication skills is useful for any career path. Being easy to talk to and a good listener are essential to providing good care. Since their clients may suffer from conditions that impair their ability to express themselves or clearly state their needs, carers must listen with attention and patience. Encouraging conversations and listening to the stories of patients will work to build trusting relationships.
If you find that you inhabit these skills or caring is something that comes natural to you; why not consider a job in care by contacting us and finding out more information in how to kickstart your career today.
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