Five Things to Remember When Working as a Caregiver

Working as a senior caregiver comes with the reward of a fulfilling career and a flexible workload. It can also be challenging for caregivers who regularly deal with complex illnesses, unpredictable behavioral changes, severe impairments, or acute pain while meeting family members' needs. At Visiting Angels of Farmington, we understand the importance of aging with dignity and hire professionals with empathy and a passion for supporting seniors in our community. If you're thinking about a career as a senior caregiver, there are a few essential things to remember–here are five from our Visiting Angels Farmington, New Mexico team.

Be Reliable and Dependable

At Visiting Angels Farmington, we help make in-home care accessible and straightforward for clients and their families, which is one reason why reliability is such an essential aspect of what we do. As a caregiver, you'll build a relationship of trust, and when your client and their families know they can depend on you, trust will grow.

Prioritize Understanding Your Clients

As seniors grow older, they may go through changes. They may have less memory or strength and can feel confused or sad. They may begin to lose interest in activities or eat less. They need support from others to live a happy and healthy life even if they move slower. When you spend time with them, be patient and kind!

There's plenty you can learn about your client - check out their interests, favorite foods, and preferences for care. Clients each have their unique personalities, so as a senior caregiver, you'll be there to make sure they get the care they need.

Elderly Clients Deserve Dignity

Growing older can bring challenges, but daily care and hygiene tasks can also be challenging. Other issues like incontinence or forgetfulness may make your client feel embarrassed or awkward and remove their dignity. As a professional caregiver, you can do your part to support them through it and ensure they feel comfortable and independent in every situation. Treat them like you'd like to be treated–with utmost dignity and respect. 

Don't Take It Personally

Some elderly clients can go through periods where they repeatedly feel mood swings, experience anxiety and forgetfulness. They might become irrational, stubborn, and angry. Your senior client may also refuse to take medication or remember why you visit them.

The behaviors you're describing may be frustrating and hurtful, but they're most likely not coming from a place of authenticity. It's best to use healthier coping methods like redirecting their attention or negotiating with them on things they don't want to do. Most importantly, don't take their behaviors personally, and set your expectations to be less frustrated. 

Watch For Injury or Abuse

Elderly clients need to have check-ups throughout the year, and this will facilitate assessing their well-being by tending to any prominent health issues that may develop with time. But additionally, use your time with your client to watch for health issues. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any bruises or scrapes they have - this could suggest an accidental fall that needs immediate medical attention. Check for signs of elder abuse–your attention can save your client's life.

Start Your Career with Visiting Angels Farmington

Seniors deserve the attentive help they need, and we want caregivers who can provide warm, skilled care. As you search for your next home care job, find success with us! Please explore our website to learn more about what it's like to work with our team.