Those who have a passion for seniors and people with disabilities are perfect candidates to take on caregiver jobs. Agencies that put their employees and clients first will see a higher success rate in attracting all-star applicants. Caregivers perform various duties including administering medications, managing health conditions, monitoring and logging data, shopping for groceries, preparing meals, and accompanying their clients on leisure activities. They should also have patience, empathy, and good communication skills. General Health Monitoring Whether it’s monitoring the patient’s medication, checking on the person when they go to sleep or simply being available to call in an emergency, caregiver jobs require a high level of availability. They also often require a significant degree of compassion and empathy. Caregivers also monitor their care recipient’s behavior to ensure they’re following doctor orders, taking their medications on time and in the proper dosages. This can involve tracking blood pressure, weighing the patient on a regular basis and even helping them bathe or dress. It’s important for caregivers to build a strong relationship with their patients. Caregivers who are able to provide their services on a long-term basis are more likely to establish a solid connection that builds trust and reliability. This is especially true for those who are providing medical and nursing-related care. In addition, they may be responsible for handling the care recipient’s finances by paying bills, sending money or advocating with different providers and services. Companionship Caregivers often spend significant time with their patients. They provide companionship through a variety of ways, from playing games or going on walks to simply having friendly conversations. This is an important part of a caregiver job, because it allows for a sense of emotional and social connection that can greatly improve a senior’s quality of life. Caregiver duties may also include helping clients with personal hygiene and daily tasks such as bathing and dressing. They can also help with grocery shopping or other errands that are necessary for their health and well-being. Caregiving jobs are available in a wide range of settings, from hospitals to private homes. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for entry-level positions, and on the job training is usually provided. Caregiver responsibilities vary from patient to patient, and the best caregivers have an excellent attention to detail and physical strength. They are also capable of following instructions, and they must be able to work well under stress. Medication Administration Caregivers often find themselves administering a wide variety of medication, both over-the-counter and prescribed. They also provide support in using medical devices that require motor skills such as inhalers and eye drops. The majority of caregivers reported managing a very complex medication regimen. Many found it difficult to keep up with the medication schedule, especially if the care recipient had multiple doctors or prescriptions from different pharmacies. Many wished health care providers would share medication lists with them when a visit occurred. Most caregivers rely on various organizational aids to help them remember to give medicine at the proper time. These include organizers, pill bottles, calendars, and reminder alarms. Some also keep track of the expiry dates of varying medications. They also collect information about side effects, drug interactions, and other pertinent medicine information for themselves. This can be done by reviewing medical records, contacting health care providers and pharmacists, or reading online. Caregivers also use this information when requesting changes to their parent’s medication regimen. Keeping Records If you hire caregivers as independent contractors instead of employees, you must keep records for each caregiving task that they perform. These records may include the client’s health status, care needs, medications and progress toward certain activities of daily living goals. Keeping these records requires careful attention to detail. It’s also a good idea to conduct periodic health and safety audits. These audits can help you identify problem areas and take corrective action before they become serious problems. You must communicate clearly with the clients that you serve, as well as their families, to determine their needs. In addition, you should provide detailed information about the duties of your caregivers and any specific skills or qualifications they need to do their jobs. Caregiver job ads should highlight the benefits of working for your agency. For example, you might emphasize that your staff provides a safe and secure environment for seniors to live in. You can also share testimonials from current all-star employees or from happy clients.
Posted inBusiness