If you’ve found yourself in a new role as a caregiver, you’ve come to the right place. With decades of experience in caregiving and working with familial caregivers inside the home, we’ve gained heaps of helpful information that enables us to give new caregivers great advice!
Whether you’re a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) fresh out of school, a new companion hoping to familiarize yourself with the healthcare industry, or a friend or family member of a loved one who needs extra help, we have some valuable tips to help you on your way. Maybe you’re simply searching for caregiving tips to improve and build upon your current skill set. Either way, we know how it feels to have questions. That’s why we’ve put together a list to guide you on your path.
Check out our top five tips for caregivers below.
1. Show Up
Believe it or not, showing up is the primary thing you can do to gain confidence in yourself and your abilities as a caregiver. You may have found that much of your worry about starting something new is often senseless. Once you begin, you’ll see how most of your concerns were completely unfounded. But, if you hesitate to take the first step by showing up, you’ll delay your sense of relief once you realize you’re a great caregiver with nothing to worry about!
2. Keep a Good Attitude
Another great thing you can do to ensure you’re a fantastic caregiver is to be present. Carefully listen to the client and family members who are involved. Maintain a positive attitude and remember that you are there to help. Always be warm, empathetic, and compassionate when talking to yourself. If you’re a professional caregiver, it’s important to remember that your job is to do more than care for your client’s physical and mental needs. It’s also necessary to consider their feelings and emotions. Your client’s mental health status is even more of a reason to ensure your attitude is always in check. If you have a good attitude, chances are they will too.
3. Educate Yourself
When you begin your journey as a caregiver, educating yourself as much as possible about your clients and their struggles is essential. Make sure you ask plenty of questions and make a note of the answers. It’s also beneficial to learn more about how the person is feeling in general and how they feel about having a caregiver. Listen to their concerns and ask what they need from you. Often, the people you care for may not know what they need, so reassure them that you will learn how best to meet their needs in the safest, most comfortable way for them and for yourself.
4. Be Dependable
As you may already realize, individuals who rely on home care typically need you to be there for them frequently. They may have regularly scheduled appointments they need you to take them to. Or, they might have a daily routine they need your help accomplishing. No matter the reason you’re there, you must become a dependable person for them in their life.
5. Take Care of Yourself
A big part of being a great caregiver for others is that you must always remember to care for yourself too. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your day, and take time for healthy meals when you have a break. You may also benefit from a short meditation break once or twice daily or even keeping a log of your thoughts and feelings as you complete your tasks. And remember to exercise regularly. Keeping your body healthy and strong is a great way to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced.
Whether starting a new career or beginning your caregiving journey for a loved one, know that your efforts will not go unnoticed. The people you care for appreciate you more than you know, even if they can’t tell you that themselves. Keep your head up, focus on why you are giving care, and feel proud of your work every single day!
