Caring for patients/residents in care homes involves more than just aiding them with proper diet and safe mobility; problem-solving, careful planning, etc. are some of the skills required in professional caregiving.
Here are some of the essential caregiving tips:
1. Attentive listening
Careful listening is the key to fully understand the concerns of patients; this way, care workers can precisely address their concerns. By listening closely to the patients, care workers can prepare plans or take notes regarding their diet, sleep timings, physical activities, etc. to provide tailored care to them. Also, attentive listening imparts a feeling of being understood and appreciated.
2. Clear communication
Clear and transparent communication is essential in different areas of caregiving. With clear communication, caregivers can have a healthy bond with the patients; it also helps in precise reporting.
3. Patience
Care home residents, including older patients and patients with serious diseases such as dementia need patience from caregivers. Such residents are slower at explaining what they need and moving about. Also, patients can be annoyed or frustrated at times and can take that out on the carer. Therefore, being patient and calms helps carers stay focused.
4. Punctuality
Good punctuality is a must when it comes to ensuring smooth care service in care homes. Many patients prefer planning their day around care provision; when a care worker is late, it can impact patients’ daily routine as well imbalance the work flow among the staff.
5. Maintaining dignity
Differently-abled patients, older patients, and patients with serious diseases need extra care such as aiding them with mobility and other tasks. However, it is crucial to maintain their dignity. For instance, it’s always a good option to ask them the permission of helping them in bathing.
6. Cheerful personality
In cares homes, care workers might be the only people patients come into contact with. Therefore, a cheerful and friendly personality can make a difference in providing quality care and encouraging well-being of the patients.
7. Kindness
Kindness and showing are the two essential traits of professional caregivers. Patients appreciate kindness; they are generally happy or coordinative when the carer is polite and kind to them.
8. Willingness to learn
A care worker has to care for a myriad of patients during the span of his/her career. This, in itself, is a great opportunity to learn. Over time, care workers can gain experience caring for patients of different nature.
9. Quick problem-solving
Things might not always go as expected or planned in care homes where patients with severe care need reside. In such a setting, care workers must be able to deal with unexpected scenarios. Their ability to think on their feet can help save patients’ lives during emergencies.
10. Efficiency
In any care home, care workers have to complete several tasks during the day. Working efficiently helps them manage time and provide quality care to the patients.
Improve medication administration in your care home using eMAR
eMAR (electronic MAR) a smart alternative to traditional MAR (Medication Administration Record) charts. eMAR packs an array of benefits to care homes; it helps improve operational efficiency, saving care workers’ time.
Most importantly, care workers can lower the risk of medication errors using eMAR. Learn more about eMAR at https://www.electronicmar.co.uk.
