Caregiving is more than a job. It’s a demanding vocation that requires caregivers to have certain qualities that ensure that they care for people with dignity and compassion. There are certain habits that highly effective caregivers need to develop to give their best. Here are some of them:
Multitasking: Caregiving is not limited to providing personal care and administering medicine. Caregivers have to be as productive as possible. Only efficient multitaskers can switch from one task to another, without losing track of important things.
Effective communication: Good caregivers speak slowly to make themselves understood fully. They pay attention to not only what the residents are saying but also their body language. They have to be careful while communicating with people who have a hearing impairment or those with dementia.
Proactive: Caregiving is not about reacting but all about responding. A good caregiver has a well-thought-out care plan that suits the person cared for. Instead of rushing to the tasks of the day, a good caregiver plans the day ahead and makes sure that everything is going according to the plan.
Quick thinking: Planning is indeed an integral part of caregiving. The ability to think on one’s feet is very crucial for caregivers. They should know what needs to be done if there’s a medical emergency or a resident is acting out. Good caregivers manage such situations without losing their cool.
Collaborate: To give residents more person-centred care, it is important that caregivers collaborate with family members of the person cared for. This helps caregivers understand the individual’s needs and preferences of the residents.
Time management: Managing time is not just about showing up on time; it’s also about understanding what pace suits them and the residents and scheduling the daily activities accordingly.
Self-care: Caregiving is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Good caregivers take care of themselves so that they remain truly effective. They take breaks so that they do not feel burned out.
Embrace technology: Highly effective caregivers use technology to help do their job best. Many care homes in the UK are using eMAR. Good givers embrace such technologies and attend training to upskill themselves. Electronic MAR allows caregivers to manage medication administration electronically. The software can be used on tablets and Android smartphones. Care homes in the UK are embracing electronic MAR sheets to reduce medication errors. Book an eMAR demo with us today.
