Special Skills for Caring for People

A caregiver is someone who enhances the quality of life for seniors or for anyone who needs taking care of. Caretaking allows the patient to retain some independence, which is very important to the patient. Caretaking entails various responsibilities and some skills, although being a kind and considerate person who truly cares for her patient is probably the most important characteristic that a caretaker can possess.

Listen and Observe

• A caretaker should be a good listener and be able to detect when someone is physically struggling or emotionally upset or depressed even if they haven't expressed this in words or action. A good listener really listens and pays attention to what is being said. The caretaker should also be very observant and quickly detect if there have been any significant changes in the patient, in any respect, since the last time she saw the patient. Taking notes is advised. A caretaker should make a daily report of the patient, her condition, her attitude and anything else that she thinks is important.

Medication

• A caretaker may be in charge of sorting and dispensing medications. It is critically important that this is done right and in a timely fashion. It is equally important that the caretaker makes sure the patient is taking his medicine at the proper times and not taking too much or too little.

Companionship

• Caretakers provide conversation and companionship. They should enjoy doing this on a regular business.

Physically Strong

• The caretaker assists the patient physically, helping him to walk, sit down or get out of a chair and in and out of the tub or shower or a car. A caretaker should be physically strong enough to accommodate these tasks.

Household Work

• A caretaker needs to know how to cook, shop and do basic household chores such as sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, making beds and dusting.

The Alarm Clock

• The caretaker can also serve as a reminder to the patient about upcoming appointments and things that need to be done at a specific time. This may require keeping a calendar that both the caretaker and patient can refer to.

Dignity

• Some caretakers give their patients baths or showers so learning how to do this in the proper and safe fashion is necessary. Trying to maintain a patient's dignity is crucial. Caretakers must always be cognizant of this and take measures to afford whatever privacy can be given. Just because someone is old and sick doesn't mean that they aren't private and modest.

CPR

• A caretaker should know how to give CPR and be advised in advance whom to call in an emergency, after calling 911.

Operating Equipment

• Knowing how to operate a wheelchair and how to get it in and out of a vehicle is essential. You may be required to put medication into a nebulizer, which is a breathing apparatus, and how to clean it out after use. You may also be required to operate other devices, such as oxygen tanks, or need to know how to clean colostomy bags. Emptying bed pans and potty chairs and changing (adult) diapers may be part of the job. Keeping patients clean and their wounds or injuries tended to so that they don't develop bedsores is another aspect of the job.