Do I Have What It Takes To Become A Caregiver?

By Author: Sue Oja
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Being a caregiver for the elderly or infirmed is a special calling. It can be extremely rewarding, yet at the same time demanding and stressful. Patients have their own unique personalities and there are seldom set rules that can be applied to dealing with different challenges. The best way to figure out if you have what it takes to become a caregiver is perhaps to look at your characteristics and values rather than your qualifications.

The Importance of Care Giver Characteristics

Because it is such a deeply personal job, these aspects are often more important that actual physical training in care giving. Caregivers generally work in a patient's home environment so they need to be respectful of the patient's personal domain. Objects and the way things are arranged may have sentimental value. It's also important to understand the patient's needs, take the time to find out a little bit about them, such as their history and lifestyle. The patient's family may also have expectations as to how their loved one is to be taken care of, and how involved they will be. As you can see from these examples, care giving is not ...
... just a job function. It involves skillful interpersonal interaction, the ability to discern needs in different situations, and make sound judgments. If a caregiver possesses these types of personal characteristics, it will allow them to fulfill their job functions far more effectively.

Examples of Good Care Giver Characteristics

A love for people is probably one of the most important characteristics of a caregiver. Many elderly people fear being alone or feel unloved because a spouse or friends have already passed away. Elderly people often have the perception that their children or families are simply too busy to care for them and that's why they have sent you. You may need to deal with resentment or disappointment, and the only effective way to do so is to show your patients genuine love and care. You cannot fake those attributes, and if they see that you genuinely care for their well-being, you'll soon break through their calloused exteriors. Reacting negatively and going about your duties grudgingly could actually cause more harm to your patients.

Conversely though, a soft touch, kind word, or encouraging smile can make a world of difference to someone that isn't well. Always treating a patient respectfully, even if they are being demanding and unreasonable, can be difficult. Keep in mind though, how would you feel if you were trapped in an aging body if your mind still felt fit and healthy, or if you were frustrated by forgetfulness and a life of disorientation? Because of the nature of illnesses that require additional care, caregivers need to be mindful of treating a patient with dignity. A lot of patience is required. You may need to frequently repeat tasks, conversations, or instructions. Getting impatient may add to your patient's frustration with their situation and will not be helpful. Caregiving is not an easy task, and that is one of the reasons why it's important for caregivers to have a genuine passion for helping and caring for others. When stress and frustrations build, it's your love for the job that will allow you to pull through.

Types of Care Giving

Care giving assignments can range from fairly basic tasks to more advanced medical-type care. Light housekeeping may involve basic cleaning, vacuuming, dusting, laundry and ironing. These are tasks that may be too tiring for someone that is elderly or has disabilities. Your assistance as a caregiver helps them to retain a level of independence. Other assignments may involve running errands to the bank, pharmacy to fulfill prescriptions, or purchase groceries. Patients may need someone to take them to visit friends and family, take them to church or the library, or simply allow them to have a dinner out without worrying about getting home in the dark. More involved care could involve home management, companionship, house maintenance, pet care, and meal preparation. Personal and specialized assignments may involve looking after someone who has cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes or has suffered from a stroke. Specialized care giving generally requires some medical or nursing experience.

How Do You Know If Care Giving Is for You?

Examining your motives for wanting to become a caregiver is probably the most telling factor. Anything other than a genuine desire to help and care for people means that it's not for you. It's a demanding, tiring, and sometimes emotionally and physically draining. But at the same time, it can be extremely fulfilling and rewarding. Knowing you can bring joy to another person's life in the midst of their suffering or anxieties is priceless.
About Author:
Home and Hearth Caregivers is a division of Parker Cromwell HealthCare which provides senior care Chicago and non-medical live in caregivers for Hinsdale home care. Visit online for further information.