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Being a caregiver can be one of the most rewarding careers a person can have, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Why? As a caregiver, families look up to you to fulfill the responsibilities of taking care of their loved ones' wants and needs, which can be challenging at times. So, although being a caregiver is a great and rewarding career, you will more than likely experience some level of stress at some point.
Our agency uses the 5P's of caregiving when caring for seniors: purpose, patience, positivity, presence, and problem-solving. It has been super effective for us, so if you're a caregiver, I highly recommend using the 5P's with your clients as well.
Purpose
Being a caregiver can be a difficult career choice because there are a lot of factors that come to play with caregiving. You may have to deal with a very ill patient or a family arguing and disagreeing about care for their loved one. In the field of caregiving, one thing is certain, and that is, you have to be passionate about being a caretaker.
Yes, the purpose of a caregiver is to care for the elderly and provide companionship, but it’s also more than that. What is your purpose? Why caregiving? Did you have a close relationship with your parents or grandparents and want to share moments with someone new? Does helping others bring you joy?
Focus on why you became a caregiver and make that reason why you love working with seniors.
"I used to take care of my grandmother, but when she passed, that encouraged me to go back to school and become a Certified Nursing Assistant. I wanted to share the bond I built with my grandmother with other seniors" ~ Quality Choice Staffing Agency Employee
Patience
What does having patience really mean? It means slowing down and having the willingness to understand and communicate the best way possible. As a caregiver, you are faced with clients that may need more help than others and/or rely on you 100%.
Seniors you may be working with may have limited mobility, cognitive conditions, recovering from serious injuries, or other health concerns and you have to be prepared and patient for those situations.
It may be difficult and challenging putting someone else’s needs first before yours, but as a caregiver, that’s your job. Always remember to view situations from your client's point of view.
“ I remember the first client I had as a caregiver. She had recently gotten into an accident and needed assistance. She had fallen into a depression and I knew it would be my job to help her out of that depression. I’ve always had a cheery and bubbly personality. My positivity and attitude helped her get through those tough times.”
~ Quality Choice Staffing Agency Employee
Presence
As a caregiver presence is key; you should be well mannered, dress appropriately, punctual, and present. Seniors and their families aren’t looking for people who are perfect, but those who are present.
Caregivers have a list of activities that need to be completed each day. While these tasks need to be completed within a time frame, the real goal is to maintain and/or improve the quality of your clients.
Hence, taking 20 to 30 minutes during your visits to really engage and create memories with your clients is thoughtful and rewarding for you and your clients.
“ As caregivers, we have to realize that we aren’t just here to cook, clean, help with ADL’s amongst other things, but we’re also here to create a bond. I had several clients who would complain to me about previous caregivers just using their phones instead of building a relationship with them.” ~ Quality Choice Staffing Agency Employee
Problem Solving
As a caregiver, you may not be faced with many obstacles, but when they do occur, you need to be quick on your feet. What’s your solution for families' loved ones falling? Or trying to please the family and their loved one about a disagreement? And any other dilemmas as they arise?
Be prepared for any situation and always have a Plan B or be ready to come up with one. For example: if a special event your client was looking forward to gets canceled, you should have something lined up or make a few suggestions to the client as alternatives. What if you go to a doctor's appointment and your client forgets their insurance card? You should make sure you have a notebook of all their information (with the permission of the family and client).
“ As a home caregiver, you typically work alone and there's no additional help. When a situation arise you need to think quick on your feet. I had a client who accidentally forgot her purse in the self-checkout line. I immediately called the store and spoke to the manager and let them know of the situation. Problem-solving is a great skill to have as a caregiver. ” ~ Quality Choice Staffing Agency Employee
Final Thoughts
Although caring for the elderly is not an easy task, caregivers are those who naturally have an urge to help others, they find it their purpose in doing so.
Caregivers should be patient, present, problem solvers, and positive with the seniors they work with, understanding the obstacles they deal with on a daily basis.
I encourage you to use the 5P's in your career. You should maintain these key components to be successful. Caregiving is more than just a job, many caretakers experience positive encounters and build great relationships with the seniors they work with.
What are your key components of caregiving? Have any stories, experiences, or tips that you’d like to share as a caregiver or a client? Share your thoughts with us and leave your comment below.
