VISITING ANGELS FLAGSTAFF, AZ 928-220-4100
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Five Skills of Professional Caregivers

Five Skills of Professional Caregivers

Professional caregiving is a rewarding line of work that attracts many individuals looking for a flexible and fulfilling career path. While it’s possible to learn many of the skills required to work as a professional caregiver, there are five primary skills every professional caregiver should have before they get started. 

Communication Skills

Communication skills refer to your ability to convey information. As a caregiver, one of your primary roles is communicating with your client, their family, and the Visiting Angels office staff. Practical communication skills allow you to share and explain information to all parties adequately. 

Daily, you may have to communicate with your client about what you’re helping them with and why the service is needed. You also need to provide updates and detailed care information to the office staff so they’re aware of your work with your client. Family members may request information about the care you provided their loved one or may want an update on how your client is doing if they cannot visit regularly. 

Time Management Skills

Time management skills are how well you organize your tasks within a specific time frame. There is a lot of autonomy in caregiving. You don’t have someone micromanaging you every day or checking in to make sure you’ve completed your work. Therefore, you need to know how to manage your time. 

If you arrive at a client’s house and notice they need help with their laundry, grocery shopping, personal grooming, and attending a doctor’s appointment, but you only have four hours, you need to know what to prioritize and how much time to spend on each task. Even outside of caregiving, strong time management skills ensure you get to your shifts on time and attend personal meetings. 

Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are how well you can identify and solve problems, especially in a high-stress situation. There are a lot of unknowns that can come with caregiving, and you need to feel comfortable thinking quickly if a challenge arises. 

You may have a situation where a client requires help in the kitchen but doesn’t like the taste of something you cooked. You need to figure out the best way to ensure your client eats while also finding something quick to make. Or you may have a situation where a client needs help bathing but doesn’t feel comfortable having you help them yet. You need to find a solution that keeps your client happy and takes care of their hygiene. 

Observation Skills

Observation skills refer to your ability to identify a problem or conflict without someone pointing it out to you. Observation skills are essential when working with clients who have dementia or are shy about asking for help.

Suppose you’re working with a client who seems to be losing an unhealthy amount of weight. You ask the client if they’re eating, and they say yes. However, you also notice that they’ve had a fridge full of groceries for the last week, and it doesn’t look as if they’ve eaten. Observation skills will help you conclude that the client may not be eating enough. 

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills refer to your ability to interact with someone and make them feel comfortable. Your interpersonal skills can encompass everything from how effectively you communicate to your ability to listen and your overall attitude. Some of the services you may provide to a client are intimate, such as dressing or bathing. You want to make your clients feel comfortable and confident in your ability to help them. 

Our Flagstaff office hires caregivers to assist seniors in Flagstaff, Payson, ShowLow, and the surrounding communities. We offer full and part-time shifts, competitive pay, flexible hours, bonus opportunities, paid training, paid time off, reimbursable mileage, and one-on-one client interaction. If you have the skills to work as a professional caregiver, we’d love to connect at Visiting Angels. If you’re interested in learning more about career opportunities with Visiting Angels, send us an online application or call us at 928.220.4100.

Serving Flagstaff, Payson, ShowLow and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels FLAGSTAFF, AZ
1750 S. Woodlands Village Blvd. #140
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 928-220-4100

Serving Flagstaff, Payson, ShowLow and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels FLAGSTAFF, AZ
1750 S. Woodlands Village Blvd. #140
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 928-220-4100