Providing care to our senior citizens in and around the Okatie area is a rewarding task. Whether working in the field or providing care to a loved one, growing your skills ensures you give the best care. In this blog, we will dive into critical skills to possess and offer some help to develop and grow those skills.
Empathy and Compassion
Caregiving to an older person is a selfless job and often requires you to put the needs of the person you are providing care to first. Anticipating and understanding their needs is essential. Usually, this means that you must be in tune with the person, understanding their physical and emotional requirements. Getting to know them is an important step; you'll be able to understand how they are feeling, and your relationship with them builds trust. Talk to them, treat them with respect, and be kind.
Communication Skills
While communicating with the older person is essential, sharing with the person's care team and family is also important. It is the caregiver's responsibility to pass along important information that is relevant to their needs. Some clients have conditions that affect their communication ability, so your communication skills can help fill those gaps. Communication also creates a safe and trusting environment for them. Ask a lot of questions and get to know your client. Listen to them. Use body language that reinforces positive communication. Lean into the conversation and maintain eye contact. Treat everyone you care for equally, fending off biases and preconceived ideas. Write important things down, so you don't forget to share them with others as needed. Communication is a crucial aspect of caregiving.
Basic Life-Saving Skills
Every caregiver must possess basic life-saving skills, including Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first-aid skills. Hopefully, you will never have to use these skills, but having them is critical. Caregivers and family members in the Bluffton area can develop these skills by reaching out to the Red Cross or taking classes offered by the Bluffton Township Fire District.
Household skills
Mastering common household skills, like cleaning and organization, is a crucial caregiving skill. Part of the task is working with your senior or family member in helping them clean and organize their home; this requires sensitivity, empathy, and hands-on cleaning skills. Another service caregivers often perform is basic cooking and food preparation. Understanding the unique nutritional needs of seniors is a plus. Partnering with your older person will ensure they enjoy the foods prepared for them.
Patience
Of all of the skills needed by caregivers, patience is one of the most important. Caring for others can be inherently frustrating; providing for our seniors can be more frustrating. Our senior citizens are facing a challenging time in life, one in which they can no longer do things for themselves. Often, they are accustomed to doing things a certain way as well. You are a new person in their lives; building trust takes time and commitment to the relationship. Take the time to understand the situation, taking a couple of breaths to gather your thoughts as you go. Understand their perspective and allow empathy to lead you through. Caregiving for our seniors requires a special person and particular skills. You can grow your skills to provide the best care for the older person or family member. Contact us for more information about providing specialized care for our seniors.