Over the last decades, life expectancy in the US, as well as in other parts of the world, has gone up significantly. As a result, there’s an increasing demand for professionals in senior care. This presents an excellent career opportunity for many, as well as a means to assist families and improve the quality of life of their senior relatives.
However, to become an in-house caregiver you need to fulfill certain standards. This career path isn’t for everyone, so you should tread lightly. Additionally, if you are looking for professional home care for your loved one around Studio City, read on to learn how to recognize the best.
What makes a good caregiver for the elderly?
Licenses or certificates proving you have attended and passed relevant courses are great, but they’re not necessarily sufficient. Anyone who intends to become a successful in-home caregiver for seniors, should exhibit the following qualities:
- Positive demeanor
- Empathy
- Patience
- Reliability
A caregiver needs to act positively, interact with clients sincerely, clearly, and with a genuine intention to alleviate their stress. Also, you should consider their perspective, tune in and provide necessary emotional support. Make sure you respect their time and pick the right pace.
Most importantly, you should be someone they can count on. Be punctual with your appointments from the very beginning, remain consistent in your assistance, and you’ll create an atmosphere of trust.
What are the skills needed to be a senior living caregiver?
Apart from favorable personal qualities, competent caregivers need a set of skills to assist their clients appropriately. Some of these skills can be polished in practice, while others require first-hand experience. Let’s consider the most important ones.
- Interpersonal skills
First of all, you need to be an attentive communicator: this involves tact, active listening, and asking the right questions, when necessary. In addition, make sure you follow this advice:
- Speak clearly and loud enough
- Sit face to face and maintain eye contact
- Focus on one topic at a time
- Allow your client enough time, don’t rush them
- Give them the opportunity to ask questions
- Try to summarize what you have talked about
- Physical strength & fitness
You would need to be strong enough to assist the elderly and accomplish a number of chores. For example, you’ll need to help them out of bed, go to the bathroom, help them get into the car from the wheelchair etc. This requires that you are in good physical health as well, and that you can do all of this without hurting yourself.
- Problem-solving skills
Sometimes, you need to approach issues creatively and with some out-of-the-box thinking. While you might take some things for granted, your elderly client could have difficulties with even the basic needs you wouldn’t otherwise anticipate.
Also, you need a keen eye for detail in order to identify issues on time. See these problems not as obstacles, but opportunities to improve the well-being of your clients.
- Flexibility
Having a flexible mindset is vital to catering to the unique needs of any elderly patient. While there are some universal basic needs, remember that each individual is different, so combine patience with flexibility. By adjusting to the specific requirements, you’ll provide a sense of companionship and make this experience worthwhile.
- Organization
Caregivers should be skilled in organizing the space in such a way that allows them to quickly prepare meals for their clients, find their medication, help them get dressed, etc. Also, a well-organized professional will have a list of contacts, and will be able to react readily in case of emergency.
- Time management
Good time management includes efficient multitasking, setting priorities, and handling a varying schedule. This skill allows you to maintain a healthy daily routine for your client, run their day-to-day errands, avoid missing doctor’s appointments, and reduce stress that comes with it.
- Initiative
If problems occur, you’ll not wait for instructions, but you’ll proactively take action. For example check if there are some parts of the house that need repairs, or if there are some light gardening tasks you can help with, water the plants etc. Avoid being too confrontational, as you still want to keep your elderly clients feeling independent.
Who offers reliable home care across Studio City and neighboring communities?
A Better Way in Home Care is the leader among non-medical assistance providers in Studio City. Our goal is to make a perfect match between a caregiver and your elderly relative. Whether you’re located near the CBS Studio Center or anywhere else in the vicinity, you can count on us.
Our professionals can assist your elderly with everyday tasks, such as meal preparation, bathing, grooming, grocery shopping, etc. What’s more, if you’re seeking a career in the field and you have relevant experience, you can apply online and we’ll gladly provide necessary guidance.
To check all the benefits and improve the quality of life of your loved ones, call us today!
