Providing elderly care can be one of the most difficult jobs in the world. In many cases, the caregiver is the only person looking after the patient. Taking care of another human being is a massive responsibility. Caregivers often have to fill so many different roles at once including that of a nurse, a counselor, a friend, a family member, and a parent. It’s up to the caregiver to decide how and when these different roles should overlap.
If you’re interested in becoming a caregiver, take a look at the skills you’ll need to provide excellent around-the-clock elderly care.
Communication
In many cases, the caregiver is the only person around to talk to the patient. They’re in charge of making sure that the patient is calm and aware of the situation at hand. The caregiver is usually responsible for talking the patient through any changes to their daily routine. Every caregiver has to be a master of verbal and nonverbal communication, often tasked with meeting the patient’s needs while also balancing their responsibilities as a health professional.
Empathy
Being a successful caregiver starts with empathy. In order to provide quality elderly care, the person must be able to relate to the patient as much as possible. Caregivers often have to put themselves in the patient’s shoes and try to see the situation from their perspective. This leads to more understanding between the two, improving the overall healthcare experience.
Following the Rules
Taking care of an elderly patient often comes down to following a routine. Caregivers need to be able to follow specific instructions throughout the day. Most patients are on doctor’s orders, telling them when and what to eat, what medications to take, as well as a list of approved activities. It’s up to the caregiver to make sure that the patient is following these instructions to a tee.
Observation
Things can change fast when caring for an elderly patient. Their health might start to deteriorate at a moment’s notice. The caregiver is spending nearly every day with the patient, checking up on their health and their behavior on a regular basis. If something seems off or irregular, the caregiver needs to be observant enough to take note and inform the patient’s doctor.
Time Management
Caregivers have a lot to contend with throughout the day. It helps to follow a regular schedule, one that itemizes everything that needs to get done by the day’s end. Caregivers need to know how to use time to their advantage by planning ahead and setting reminders. If the caregiver has a habit of misusing time, it could lead to increased stress levels and inconsistent results.
