How to Cope with Anger and Criticism as a Caregiver
While a career as an in-home caregiver is hugely fulfilling, it can also be highly demanding. Not only are you engaging with clients regularly, but you are also talking to their families and healthcare providers, as well as your employer and colleagues.
With all those different interactions, there is bound to be some tension and even anger or criticism. However, it’s crucial to always keep your cool, act professional, and never take it personally. However, this can be easier said than done.
Professional Strategies for Handling Negativity
Any career can have its moments that challenge you. However, when the thoughts or feelings of others are involved in those moments, our emotions can sometimes take over before our good sense does. If you’re a caregiver, either for a family member, friend, or professionally, you will likely face situations like this one day, if you haven’t already, just because of the emotional investment that caregiving involves. Having a proactive plan in place with the strategies below can help you respond appropriately if and when you face criticism, anger, or other negative feedback as a caregiver.
Use these three tips from other caregivers to handle anger and criticism like the pro you are.
1. Curb Your Emotions
By nature, humans are emotional beings. But that doesn’t mean you should let your feelings get the best of you when facing criticism or frustrated clients. Do everything in your power to stay calm, cool, and collected. This might mean disengaging and heading outside to gather your thoughts and emotions. You can also vent your feelings to friends or write them down in a journal.
2. Don’t Get Defensive
We might get defensive and argumentative when we feel put on the spot. Unfortunately, this can make the situation worse. Listen closely to the person giving the criticism and try to see the situation from their point of view. Their anger or criticism may have nothing to do with you. They might just be having a bad day and taking their feelings out on the first person they come into contact with.
On the other hand, if you’re receiving constructive criticism from your manager, treat it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Don’t argue about what you should or should not have done. That’s all in the past. You now have the knowledge to make better choices in the future.
3. Consider the Source and Comment
Who is the person getting angry or criticizing you? Is it a client, their family, or your employer? Often, elderly adults with dementia can become frustrated and combative because of their declining cognition. Their relatives might do the same because of stress and worry over their elderly loved one. Always consider the source of the criticism to determine if you should take the comments seriously.
Additionally, you should also consider the feedback given. Does the criticism hold any merit? Be gracious and patient with the other person if it's simply a misunderstanding. If the criticism is from your boss and concerns your work performance, ask for practical advice on improving.
Join Visiting Angels Tulsa for a Fulfilling Caregiver Career
We always have our caregivers' backs at Visiting Angels of Tulsa, OK. We offer a nurturing work environment, competitive hourly pay, paid time off (PTO), and professional development opportunities.
We are currently seeking certified HHAs, CNAs & LTCAs throughout the region. Contact us today at (918) 609-5600 for more information.