With the impending surge in the number of older adults, primary care clinicians will increasingly need to manage the care of vulnerable elders in their own homes. Caring for vulnerable elders in their home is complicated because of their wide range of health goals and community supports required in order to achieve those goals.
No matter the level of dependence of the senior, a caregiver is expected to be skilled at meeting those needs long-term. Senior Caregivers, Home Health Aides, Personal Care Attendants and Certified Nursing Aides all work as professional caregivers, bringing their skills to seniors living in their homes. Working as a professional caregiver requires understanding how to maintain quality standards in delivering care while providing consistent behaviours.
Five components are required for effective senior home care
Effective Communication Skills
- As instrumental as caregivers are, communication is key. It can be something as simple as going through the day’s schedule or discussing health concerns, but no matter what it is, it must be communicated well. Lack of communication will do nothing beneficial for the relationship, and in fact, could damage it. Furthermore, if there is more than one caregiver in the individual’s life, communication is vital because of all the moving parts.
Empathy
- Devoting time to the care of someone else is one of the most selfless things someone can do for another human being. Being able to understand the person you’re caring for, knowing their problems, challenges and desires will not only make it easier to care for them but will undoubtedly improve the relationship you have with each other. Empathy is a significant aspect of that relationship. Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes will increase the quality of care you’re providing.
Patience
- When dealing with seniors, patience is essential for a caregiver to maintain. Many facets play into being patient as a caregiver. It means slowing down and rethinking ways to communicate, the best way to provide care and simply staying calm and present for whomever you’re providing care. Putting yourself second might be challenging, but that your job as a caregiver. You might need to remind yourself throughout the day about what you’re doing and providing for this person. Being aware and present is the key to patients.
Problem Solving
- In the world of a caregiver, rarely is there a day in which everything goes exactly according to plan. When plans change, appointments get cancelled or new routines come into play, it’s crucial that a caregiver can problem solve and bounce back by either rescheduling or creating a new plan so the entire day isn’t ruined. The caregiver must be the cooler head of the two. In order to carry out caregiver duties in the most effective and efficient manner, a caregiver needs to be able to keep calm during any problem or crisis.
Positivity
- Last but not least, approaching your job with positivity and confidence is only going to make it more enjoyable for everyone. Not only will having confidence make you better at your job, but it’ll make it easier. Your positive attitude will affect and spread to everyone you come in contact with during the course of the relationship. Everyone’s lives will be made easier when everyone has a positive outlook.
A Rewarding Challenge
Being a caregiver for senior home care isn’t easy, but at the end of the day, it can be hugely rewarding knowing that you’ve helped make someone’s life better. Consistently being there for someone else will foster a remarkably strong relationship, based on trust and friendship. By keeping these five components in mind, you and your client will have a rewarding experience.
