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As a caregiver, I use to do one on one in home care work and now I am a caregiver at an assisted living community. Today was my first day as a caregiver to many clients. I realized today what I truly missed about care giving. I missed seeing elderly or disabled clients smile with satisfaction after I helped them with their assisted daily living tasks (ADL'S). I get a great feeling after seeing my caregiving clients smile and say Thank-you to me. Below is a list of skills a caregiver should have to become a successful caregiver. I am still in training for the hardest skills but will conquer them in no time.
- A caregiver must be patient and friendly. There are those grouchy caregivers that obviously don't like their jobs and the clients can sense attitude which makes it worse for the caregiver. Clients will not like the caregiver and put up fights to do daily tasks. So this is one reason to be patient and friendly as a caregiver. There is a way to be fast and patient at the same time, for all of you who are on set schedules. This care giving skill comes natural to many caregivers. It comes natural to me...so check mark for me lol.
- A caregiver must be properly trained for the job. Knowing the below care-giving duties will help you get hired as a caregiver.
- Transfers- Many clients will need to be transferred from their beds to chairs and chairs to toilets ect... You must be properly trained on transfers or you will hurt your back eventually. Most caregivers/CNA'S are suppose to wear gait belts to do transfers. Specially for bigger guys or women who need transferred. Always try to grab a co-worker to help you with full assist transfers if needed. (Transfers I do pretty well but need to remember to wear the belt)
- Catheters- Caregivers should be trained on how to properly clean a catheter. As a home care worker, I never had clients that had catheters. But today, I learned how to properly clean a catheter. You should train for both women and men catheters.
- Changing an Adult Diaper or Depends- This is a most know for caregivers. You must know how to properly change an adult diaper. If you are lacking in this skill, there are Youtube videos online that demonstrate proper techniques.
- Basic Skills of Care giving- You must remember to wear gloves and wash your hands. Also if any blood is visible, you should wear eye goggles. Confidentiality is mandatory as a caregiver. And of course be friendly, respectful and never be abusive to the elderly and disabled.
- Vital Signs- Okay I have a confession to make. With all of my years as a caregiver, I have managed to not have to know how to take vital signs. Before I started my new job at the assisted living community, I did some self training online and learned the basics which helped me tremendously on my first day. I either need hearing aids or that stethoscope was broken today. For the life of me, I couldn't get the blood pressure readings. I didn't hear anything....So I need more training on taking vital signs.
