Professional caregivers may work with senior citizens or people with disabilities. They offer in-home care to help individuals live independently, including personal care services like help with bathing, dressing, and grooming. A caregiver may also run errands such as grocery shopping, coordinate medical appointments, or assist with housekeeping and meal preparation. The best caregivers are empathetic, patient, and thoughtful. Here, Liberty Resources Home Choices offers tips on how to be a successful caregiver.
Best Practices for Caregivers
Caregivers provide a variety of services to help people with disabilities and seniors lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The most successful caregivers are:
Patient
Some caregivers work with older adults, others care for people with disabilities. Regardless of the population you work with, being patient is an invaluable trait. A good caregiver realizes that some tasks will be more challenging than others, and the people that they work with will have good days and bad days. Instead of getting frustrated, a patient caregiver can go with the flow and adapt their plans when needed.
Communicative
Good communication skills are important to have in any profession. But they’re especially needed for caregivers. In addition to serving people with disabilities and seniors, caregivers need to communicate with family members and supervisors. They must be good listeners, staying attuned to the needs of the people they care for. They may also need to coordinate with other caregivers on their team who support the same individual.
Resourceful
Caregivers are problem-solvers who look for creative ways to help the people they serve. Whether they work with older adults or people with disabilities, caregivers look for resources and programs in the community that may be helpful or of interest. They know their limits and ask for help when they need it.
Observant
Simply paying attention is an important aspect of caregiving. This is especially key for those who work with older adults. As a caregiver, you’re working with senior citizens on a day-to-day basis – you may even have more regular contact with a senior than their family members do. If they’re having mobility issues, showing signs of memory loss, or it seems like they’re getting sick, an older adult needs to be in touch with their medical provider. Caregivers are in a unique position to monitor the health of the individuals they serve and report any issues so that they can get the help they need.
Empathetic
Throughout their careers, caregivers will work with all kinds of people. Being able to empathize with others, regardless of their background or story, is a critical skill for caregivers. Practicing empathy and kindness toward others helps build trust and ultimately results in positive, more fulfilling professional relationships.
Remember that being a good caregiver requires being mindful of your own needs, as well. Self-care is essential in this profession: if you aren’t at your best, you can’t take care of others.
Consider a Career as a Caregiver
If you’re passionate about helping others and have the qualities of a successful caregiver, consider applying for a position with Liberty Resources Home Choices. Based in Philadelphia and Allentown, Pennsylvania, Liberty Resources Home Choices serves the Philadelphia metro area, as well as Eastern PA, including Harrisburg, Lancaster, and the Greater Lehigh Valley. We are seeking direct care workers who embrace our philosophy of independent living for all. To learn more about career opportunities for caregivers at Liberty Resources Home Choices, contact us today.
