Month: January 2017

It does not take long to build trust with a person that you are helping and for this reason, it sometimes gets forgotten in the hustle and bustle of attending to everything else. However, it can make a world of difference and will certainly do a lot to build a positive relationship between the two of you.

When you connect with the person that you help in the right way, trust follows. Just spending a few minutes each time you visit totally focused on the person and not the chores of the day will build rapport and the person that you help will love the fact that you are not trying to rush them.

Here are just 4 ways of building trust that you will find very useful:

1. Talk with them, not at them – involve them in what you are doing and tell them gently rather than dictate to them what you will do. Encourage them to talk to you. At the same time, you need to make a habit of listening carefully, looking at them when you are talking.
2. Ask them about things they like doing – don’t just focus on tasks but take time out to ask them about their hobbies, family and any other interests they may have. This will lessen anxiety and put them at ease.
3. Get to understand their version of the world – find out what is important to them and see if you can find shared interests. If you can get to understand them then their affinity with you will follow; finding out about their past will help to plan their future.
4. Empathise with their emotions – think about how they are feeling. When they understand that you are listening to them and empathising, an air of positivity will ensue and good communication will follow.

No two people are the same, but treating the person you help as a whole person, made up of physical and spiritual, as well as psychological traits, will break down barriers. The end result will be an upsurge in communication so that they know that they are communicating with a person that they can trust.

Tell us on our Facebook https://facebook.com/lavorocare or Tweet at us https://twitter.com/joblavoro .

Currently looking for a job in care to make a difference to people’s lives? Take a look at our current positions http://lavoro.com/jobs .

 

Whether you have been operating as a care worker for quite some time or are relatively new to the job, there are always things that you can do to make yourself better organised. Just as with any other career, doing things right from day one will stand you in good stead for moving forward in a positive direction, inspiring confidence in those around you.

Here is our quick guide to being well organised:

• Prepare in advance before visiting a new person – study their case notes. Make sure you know how to get to their address. Do they have mobility issues i.e. Can they open the door? Do they have any hospital appointments on the day? What has been their attitude to previous care workers? Knowing all of this will save you time, add a professional edge and not cause confusion for either of you.
• Treat their home with respect – just as you would like visitors to treat your home, act in the same way. If they are able to get to the door, wait for them to invite you in. Don’t walk through rooms with dirty shoes on. If they have pets, be ready to greet them in advance. If they will be sleeping when you arrive, wake them up gently.
• Notice anything you need to report – how does the person you are looking after seem in themselves? Are they comfortable and alert or do they seem unduly sick or worried? If you have visited them before and there are major changes occurring, make a note to record them in the notes or alert the office to take action.
• Do what you can to make their life easier – even if they don’t ask for it, check if they would like a hot or cold drink. Are they able to turn the TV or radio on or off? Is the remote control close at hand? Do they need you to attend to any special tasks whilst you are with them? If they have pets, do they seem well fed and cared for?

Most of the time, being well organised is about planning in advance, thinking ahead and being proactive. By doing this, you will always be alert to concerns or problems and your role as a care worker will be much easier to carry out.

Let us know your tips on keeping organised in your care worker role. Tell us on our Facebook https://facebook.com/lavorocare or Tweet at us https://twitter.com/joblavoro .

Currently looking for a job in care to make a difference to people’s lives? Take a look at our current positions http://lavoro.com/jobs .

As a carer, we frequently see the people that we help at their most fragile and often in a defenceless condition. Added to this, they may be feeling nervous, scared, embarrassed or just plain bad tempered. When this happens, we need to be ready to make them feel comfortable with us in order that they will open up, tell us how they are feeling and make it easier for us to care for them.

By make a few small changes to the way that you deal with them, you can make each one of these people feel much happier and contented, knowing that you are enjoying your job of looking after them.

Try out these 4 ways of ensuring their positive welfare and ability to feel relaxed and comfortable with you:

Remember they are just like you

We are all human; sometimes we get tired of being old or ill and just want to feel recognised as a person. Call them by name, hold their hand when talking to them and always give good eye contact. This way you will build a natural connection that will provide them with a feeling of trust and recognition.

Give them some control

They may have previously felt empowered, taking care of a home and family and never feeling vulnerable or not in control. Now they may feel that you have all of the control and they have none. This feeling of helplessness can be physically and emotionally draining. To prevent this, involve them in decision making and choices; always keep them in the picture.

Help take away their fear

Being ill or old can be very frightening; who knows what lies ahead or what fears will need to be faced? Employment, family, money; all of these things may now lie in disarray and they may feel unable to restore order or any sense of normality to their life. Remain calm and composed and re-assure them that you will help them with all that you can, taking care of them and reducing their fears.

Show respect at all times

Ask them if it is OK to use their first name and preserve their dignity and self-respect, even when you are having to carry out gruelling tasks. Always be polite and patient and treat them as you would wish to be looked after yourself. Show them that you are always on their side, will do your best to be there for them and will work hard to care for them in the best way possible.

Let us know how you make people feel comfortable with you. Tell us on our Facebook https://facebook.com/lavorocare or Tweet at us https://twitter.com/joblavoro .

Currently looking for a job in care to make a difference to people’s lives? Take a look at our current positions http://lavoro.com/jobs .