We all know that being there for someone in need isn’t a small feat, and that’s why care workers are unacknowledged champions, making it happen every day. One of the most rewarding careers is caregiving, as it allows people to make a difference in their communities. However, this career isn’t without challenges. Knowing what hurdles you will face as a care worker and how you can handle them will help you make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Let’s explore what common challenges carers face and how you can deal with them as a caregiver champion.
When the Service User Resists the Care
If the service user is receiving home care for the first time, he might be reluctant to receive care. For some people, it’s due to the fear of losing their independence, so it’s necessary to reassure them and find ways to adjust their preferences.
Caregiving is based on building and maintaining trust. A good relationship with the service user makes it easier for you to fulfil your duties and ensure his happiness at the same time. If the service user shows resistance, you need to remain calm. Communicating with them or asking directly how you can fulfil their needs can help you validate your responsibilities as a caregiver. Showing concern for their well-being also makes them more likely to cooperate.
Irregular Work Hours
Time management skills are crucial for carers. They need to manage their time so they can attend all the necessary care visits within a single day. Caregiving is not a 9am to 5pm job as many service users need care at the varied hours of the day.
As a carer, you need to work longer shifts, irregular hours, and during the weekends, so you must consider this before taking a role as a caregiver. It might be challenging for you to fit personal responsibilities around work. By planning your time and learning to maintain a work-life balance, you are more likely to be successful as a caregiver.
Dealing with Health Decline
Working closely with a service user develops a strong bond between a caregiver and them. So, if the service user’s health declines dramatically, it might be pretty distressing for the caregiver. Coping with these uncertainties can be difficult, and they might affect your other duties as a caregiver. One ideal way to prepare yourself for these challenges is to find the right balance between compassion and professionalism.
Arranging Transport to Each Appointment
Many caregiver roles specify that you need to be able to drive to take the role. Having your own means of transport makes the job much easier and gives you the flexibility of managing your travel without having to rely on public transport.
Some career aspects are still there if you can’t drive, but it may make things a bit difficult. The best way is to plan your days so you can work out your route between each care call, sourcing the necessary support. Depending on the location of the service user, you may be able to walk between calls on some occasions. Regardless of how you travel between calls, you need to consider how long it takes so you can arrive on time, accounting for heavy traffic where applicable.
