Caregivers Make a Difference Every Day. Join Our Team!

Here’s why you should be a Comfort Keeper:

Friendly & Positive Work Atmosphere

Flexible Scheduling

Competitive Pay

Click Here To Apply Now!

Professional caregivers have a lot to say about what makes a great caregiver. Surprisingly, their advice has little to do with personal hygiene and meal preparation. Instead, they believe that the most important caregiving skills are interpersonal skills. Read their top tips on how to be a better caregiver.

Respect Clients’ Knowledge and Abilities

When caring for a senior with dementia or another cognitive issue, trying to “teach” them how to do things like hold a fork or bathe themselves can be tempting. However, a person with cognitive issues is generally incapable of learning or retaining new things; their goal is simply to maintain their abilities. While your intentions may be good, trying to help seniors recover lost skills may result in frustration or anger. Instead, try doing it the way they ask you to (keeping safety in mind, of course). When you do things the client’s way, you are validating them emotionally, and that can lead to increased trust and cooperation.

Be Patient and Flexible

There is no single “right” way to do anything. If you keep this thought in mind, you can stay flexible and experiment with multiple approaches until you find one that works with your client. Remember, your client’s rejection of a particular approach is not a rejection of you as a person. Flexibility helps you keep your ego out of certain situations and may result in better care for your client.

Commit to a Relationship

When you develop interpersonal relationships with clients, you can discover what matters most to them and anticipate their needs. In fact, there are many ways to foster a relationship with your client. This might include asking to look at old family photos together, taking note of which books, television shows, or games they enjoy, and observing how they respond to stressors. It’s also important to share something about yourself, too. Trust is a two-way street, after all.

Foster Respect and Positivity

Many seniors say that they feel “invisible” in older age. They may be less capable of going out in public due to physical or cognitive decline, and they may feel ignored when they do go out. You can lessen these blows to their self-esteem by cultivating a respectful and genuinely caring relationship. Be observant of changes in your client and their environment, and compliment small details, such as an item of clothing or flowers sprouting in the garden. Bringing these small things to your client’s attention shows that you care about them.

Apply for a Caregiver Job in Akron, OH

Comfort Keepers Akron provides support to seniors and older adults who wish to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible. Our caregivers help with various daily tasks, including personal care, light housekeeping, medication reminders, meal preparation, and more. If you’re a compassionate person looking for a rewarding career, apply for a caregiver job in Akron with Comfort Keepers today!