WORKING as a home carer is incredibly rewarding and challenging. Looking after others requires a particular person with certain skills, but what are the skills and qualities of a care worker?
Only carry out tasks you are trained for
Being a home carer means you will be aiding people in all aspects of their lives. This could be helping with simple tasks such as cleaning, cooking, supporting social and physical activities or booking appointments. However, they will also have to carry out complicated tasks which require specialist training. These include the use of equipment such as hoists and lifts to move objects safely, administering medication, food handling and preparation, first aid and dealing with emergencies like fires. To perform these tasks, a carer must have received the right training. If you are new to caring, obtaining the right training is also an opportunity to progress your career. CareDial will also help newcomers find accredited providers to help them obtain the correct training.
Carers must only work in safe ways which have been agreed with their employer; otherwise, they risk putting themselves and those they support in harm’s way. To help, CareDial has a draft contract on our platform, which can be adapted to create an agreement that satisfies clients and home carers alike.
Be professional and reliable
It is important to maintain standards and be professional and reliable in your role when looking after others. As a home carer, you will look after the old and vulnerable who may not have much contact with others. A carer will be the person they rely on for social interaction. Consequently, arriving for your care shifts on time and performing your role to a good standard carries even more importance.
As well as this, acting professionally even when there are challenges is also important. Treating others how you wish to be treated, particularly with people who rely on you and performing your role to a high standard, will help your clients feel more secure and happy.
Be pleasant and caring
Care work is a rewarding but difficult profession. If it is seen as ‘just a job’, then it will be impossible to deliver the help clients need. One simple thing that domiciliary carers can do which will have an effect is to be cheery and friendly and genuinely care about their role. Older and vulnerable people can suffer from low mood or depression, so the impact of a familiar face and an upbeat attitude makes a huge difference. A positive demeanor can also help to persuade uncooperative clients to bathe and eat.
Keep training up to date
Knowing when to train or retrain is essential. It’s the responsibility of care workers to stay on top of their qualifications. So, when is the best time to train? According to Skills for Care, there are a number of times when a caregiver must make sure their skills are up to date. For example, carers must be aware of when legislation is updated or the Government introduces new rules.
As well as this, if a new factor is introduced, carers must ensure they are fully trained. These new issues include a change to the environment, new equipment or procedures, additional policy, a client developing additional needs or even a new care receiver. Added to this, home carers must be aware that some training is time-specific, with some qualifications’ validity ending after a set period of time.
Build relationships using effective communication
Communication plays a key role in building strong relationships with care receivers. This brings many benefits, most importantly helping carers to better understand their clients’ needs. Carers must also clearly share information with colleagues, family members and healthcare professionals, which will ensure they can deliver a better level of service. Home carers must know about the types of communication they will encounter, like verbal, written and non-verbal.
Good number and English skills are essential
English and number skills are core competencies that are used in every type of job. Care workers can improve their skills by ensuring they have qualifications in both subjects. The ability to read, write, speak and listen is essential and will help to perform tasks such as: communicating clearly with clients, writing a care plan, understanding and following instructions, understanding prescriptions as well as logging accidents and incidents.
Meanwhile, number skills such as making calculations, recording numbers accurately, understanding measurements and using timetables are essential. The range of tasks carers will do includes recording fluid intake and outputs, counting medication, and measuring and recording weight.
Be empathetic
Empathy is one of the most important qualities any carer must-have. The ability to show genuine understanding and compassion for another person will allow care workers to deliver good quality support for those under their responsibility. Care receivers may suffer from apprehension and anxiety, but these feelings can be alleviated if they know the person caring for them displays sympathy and understanding.
Be flexible
Care workers must be flexible and adapt their work schedule to meet their carers’ needs when the situation arises. This could be for a special one-off reason or event, where the care receiver needs help and support. For those caring for people with conditions like dementia, their roles will evolve as the illnesses advance, which may mean a change in responsibilities and to the hours and days they work.
Join CareDial's Caring Revolution
At CareDial, we believe carers deserve a better work-life balance and should earn pay which reflects their skills and experience. Happy carers equal better care. If you have the skills and qualities, then working in home care is the rewarding and career choice for you.
Join CareDial's caring revolution by registering on our website or finding out more about what we offer on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.