Introduction;
Being a caregiver or a nurse, much of your time is spent thinking of others, whether you are caring for a loved one who is in need or it is your line of work.
Here are some of the best traits that every caregiver or nurse should have:
- Compassion
- Trustworthiness
- Dependability
- Attentiveness
- Patience
When giving effective and high-quality care, it may seem necessary and beneficial for the caregiver or nurse to put their own needs on hold. Although it may be simple to put others before oneself, doing so might eventually lead to burnout, weariness, and other problems. Although it could seem like a daunting chore, it's crucial to keep in mind the potential health risks if you don't check in with yourself.
Mentioned below are some pointers caregivers and nurses will find useful in looking after themselves while assisting and caring for other people;
Set Objectives;
General goal-setting might assist you in staying focused on the tasks at hand. Without objectives, caregivers could experience the impression that they are stuck in an endless cycle of activity. Setting and writing down objectives, whether they are personal or caregiving-related, can lessen the stress of daily life. Personal objectives can be to have a regular sleeping schedule, schedule time for exercise, prepare meals in advance, and create reminders to take breaks. The daily/weekly schedule, delightful meal plans, or writing down each activity that has to be completed instead of keeping a mental record are all examples of how caregivers might set goals.
Keep Your Daily To-Do List Reasonable;
It may be simple to feel as though you must constantly ensure that everything is great when you feel accountable for the health and wellbeing of another individual. The first step in reducing the strain that may result from caregiving is realizing that nobody is "perfect." You might not be aware that you aren't giving each work your all if you are preoccupied with worry all the time and overburden your schedule. You will profit both emotionally and professionally if you can find ways to lighten your workload by prioritizing your tasks.
Delegate;
Your task may become too much for you to manage on your own over time. If you are taking care of a loved one, this may be an indication that you should start talking to your other family members about assigning roles. When all other options seem to have been exhausted, it may be time to think about hiring Senior Helpers or another in-home care provider.
Be Socially Active;
If you're a family caregiver, your support network can consist of friends or relatives who understand what you're going through. If you work as a caregiver and are having problems at work, you might find it helpful to ask your office staff for support or advice. Being a caretaker makes you the go-to person for others, but it's important to keep in mind that everyone may gain from community support. Talking through issues with others can provide the refreshment you might not have realized you required.
Caregivers and nurses should avoid the following things;
- Use of cellphones should only be when necessary
- No additional services without a proper contract
- Never humiliate your patient or client
- Avoid stubbornness
- Never violate your own or your client’s boundaries
Never perform any of the following as a caregiver;
- Perform any sort of medical assessment
- Give advice about medications to clients
- Mix medications for clients or fill their daily med minder box without permission
- Provide medical care to the patient or client
Tip Sheet: How to Be the Best Caregiver or nurse You Can Be;
- Build your confidence
- Have compassion
- Avoid useless gestures
- Don't hesitate to act, even on impulse
- Offer words of encouragement
- Check in often to show you care
- Take care of yourself along the way
Summary;
Exhaustion might result from providing care while maintaining a job, managing a family, or raising children. You're more prone to make poor decisions or vent your frustrations in an unfair way if you do become unwell or weary. You have to take care of yourself as well in order to function at your optimum level.
It's not necessary for you to stop being your loved one's primary caregiver or nurse just because they have a professional caregiver. You could even discover that hiring a caregiver or nurse has made it possible for you to spend more time with your loved one in person.
