The Dos and Don’ts of Professional Caregiving
There’s much to enjoy about professional caregiving. It’s a rewarding career with immediate gratification as you watch your clients grow more comfortable and confident as they navigate this new stage of their life. But like any job, there are a few primary dos and don’ts for working as a professional caregiver.
Do build a trusting relationship with your clients
The strongest client/caregiver relationships are the ones built on trust. You want your clients to feel comfortable around you. They should feel confident in your ability to care for them and keep them safe at home. Take the time to get to know your clients. Ask them questions about their likes and dislikes. Learn about what makes them happy and how they enjoy spending their time. Ask them lots of open-ended questions to help them and keep the conversation flowing.
Building a trusting relationship takes time, so don’t get frustrated or upset if you and your client don’t click immediately. Having someone come into your home and care for you can be a significant adjustment, and their trust may have nothing to do with you. They’re just learning how to navigate the situation.
Don’t forget to keep it professional
Caregivers and clients grow close, and it’s not uncommon to feel like they’re family. However, you must remember that this is still a professional relationship. It’s okay to share things about yourself, but try not to express yourself when you’re having a bad day. You shouldn’t be complaining to your clients or having them console you during a shift. If you’re struggling with something, talk to your manager or tell the office staff you need someone to step in until you feel better.
Keeping it professional also includes not sharing personal contact information with your client. Giving them your cell phone number or email is inappropriate because all their communication needs to go through the office. It also doesn’t allow you to have boundaries between work and your personal life if a client can contact you outside your shift.
Do practice kindness and patience
One of the essential qualities we look for in a caregiver is kindness. Being kind includes practicing patience and empathy with your clients. Remember, your role is to help them during a transition in their life, and it may not be easy for every client. Some clients may not think they need your help and will act rude or dismissive. Even in those moments, staying positive and showing kindness is vital.
Don’t be bossy
Your job as a caregiver is to ensure your clients are safe and comfortable at home. Sometimes you may have to be stern if their actions or lack thereof are potentially harmful, such as refusing medications or using a walker. However, you can be authoritative without being bossy. Instead of demanding a client do something, suggest it and explain why it’s crucial. Remind them why they need their prescriptions or the hazards of walking without a cane.
It’s also important to understand when it’s not worth fighting a client on something. Everyone has their way of living, and your clients have cared for themselves for many years. They likely have a way of doing things in their house, and while you may have suggestions on how to make things easier or more efficient if what they’re doing isn’t harming them, let them do it their way.
Ready to Start Your Caregiving Career?
If you think you’re ready to start your career as a professional caregiver, the team at Visiting Angels would love to connect. Visiting Angels is a locally owned and operated home care agency dedicated to helping seniors in our community. We have part-time and full-time positions available with flexible scheduling, competitive pay, paid training, reimbursable mileage, and bonus opportunities.
Please send us your application or call 970.254.8888 to take the first step in starting your career as a professional caregiver.