Introduction
When directly taking care of people, especially elderly people, having knowledge and prior training is not enough. We must possess skills involving the development of emotional and social skills, and this requires a well-defined vocational profile. For there to be adequate caregiving service foe elderly people, there has to be a balance between proper work and in-depth knowledge from the carer. Here, you will find out the skills and qualities that an elderly carer ought to possess.
Skills of a Carer
When you think of the qualities that a carer for the elderly should have, the first thing that comes to mind is that their roles are not mechanical but rather they involve having specific responsibilities and roles of serving senior citizens. Caregiving is not a profession that can be defined from a radical perspective.
Due to the nature of this profession, the role of companionship and assistance is of utmost importance when caring for elderly people. Therefore, these carer skills are not only something that is learned and practiced, but also it is already present to individuals who have professionally dedicated their careers to this sector.
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Duties and Values of a Carer
The qualities and skills of helping the elderly take much more than training and experience. It involves the caregiver's personality. In most cases, carers are the same people who offer happiness and well-being to the needy from several perspectives including empathic relationships.
The higher the ability of a caregiver to adapt, the more effective their knowledge will be when putting into practice their skills. Therefore, to cope with unpredictable situations which require to be handled with great sensitivity and diligence, one must possess the right talent and attitude.
Qualities of a Good Carer
What makes a good care worker? It is common knowledge that the task of selecting the right caregiver is not an easy one. At Cuidum, we have been in the industry for several years selecting the best profiles for carers. These profiles are designed to suit the needs of every family. Actually, from the applications that we receive during the selection process, only 23% of those applications pass through. We scrutinize every profile thoroughly. What are the 3 most important qualities of a good carer? That depends. Even if these services entail several aspects such as personality and training, here are the most important qualities of a great carer as valued by our Cuidum team:
Experience
It is a logical requirement to determine if the carer can cope under various circumstances. The best way to understand the qualities of a carer is to observe the reality of their work.
Communication skills
The basic objective of a relationship between elderly people and a caregiver is to have effective communication between them. Listen carefully, understand the situation and act appropriately to ensure that the elderly person under care does not feel isolated. I believe that I learn best as a carer when I listen attentively, and respond accordingly.
Honesty
It is normal for elderly people under care to put all their trust in their carer. For this relationship to work, there needs to be honesty and respect.
Consistency
The best carers for elderly people are those who keep calm and patiently wait for the time when their intervention is required. To achieve great results, constant effort and perseverance is an essential requirement.
Flexibility
To a carer for the elderly, each day is an opportunity. With time, as one starts to get used to certain routines, the work of taking care of elderly people can tend to be easy. However, the carer must be ready to experience unpredictable circumstances and develop appropriate solutions.
Initiative
Great caregivers can handle change, suggestions, and unforeseen situations well. Taking initiative, intuition, and coming up with new ideas to suit various circumstances will increase the productivity of a caregiver.
Emotional intelligence
People indeed operate on impulses. However, when our work involves providing security and stability to a person in need, it is essential to possess control over human feelings and emotions like fear, frustration, or stress. A great carer ought to radiate positivity and energy.
Strength
Taking care of elderly people requires that the carer has a strong state of physical, emotional, and mental health. This is because there are situations that will require the carer to keep a cool head and come up with a solution to a certain problem.
Self-care
A great carer must avoid getting burn-out carer syndrome. You must take great care of yourself to avoid suffering from psychological and physical wear and tear that is generated by this demanding job.
A good caregiver must be able to show diligence and humanity in every interaction. A good carer is a person who has the full trust and assurance from elderly people and their families that their loved ones will receive the support that they require.
