Those who choose to provide care for others are a unique group. The work can be rewarding but also challenging. It requires physical and emotional stamina, specialized training, and the ability to graciously put others’ needs before your own.
While there are easier career paths to choose, caregivers seem drawn to travel this road. But even though it can sometimes be difficult, the opportunity to truly make a difference to someone is life-changing.
Top 4 traits senior living caregivers possess
Caregivers who decide to work in senior living communities are distinguished even further. They tend to have a passion for not only helping others but especially for some of our most vulnerable individuals.
What makes senior living caregivers not only special but people who thrive in their work?
It goes far beyond education, training, organization and communication skills. The community’s residents, their families and other staff members benefit from these talents, of course. But what may be most important are the qualities that aren’t necessarily teachable or trainable.
There are many traits that senior living community caregivers seem to naturally possess. They are part of their personality – both on and off the clock. But it’s what allows them to bring such a high quality and compassionate level of care to those they serve. And that can often be hard to find.
Here are 4 of the top traits that many senior living caregivers possess:
- Compassion
Having compassion for others ranks high on any caregiver characteristic list. Caregivers experience this emotion which extends beyond the residents and reaches out to their families, fellow staff members and even to themselves.
Thoughtfulness and consideration are the foundation that everything else will be built upon and motivates one to relieve another’s pain or stress. The word compassion means “to suffer together” but it is also what allows caregivers to help the person through a difficult situation and to share in the better times as well.
- Empathy
Truly understanding what the resident or their family member is experiencing is a special trait that is invaluable to a caregiver in senior living. Empathy allows you to put yourself in the other person’s position and recognize how they see the situation, including their fears and frustrations.
A highly respected trait, empathy also allows you to become an advocate for those you care for. Caregivers get to really know the residents and their families so they may be among the first to notice any changes or if another service or update to their care plan might be needed.
- Patience
Caregivers seem to have naturally cultivated the virtue of patience. Helping others cannot always be pre-planned. Some individuals will unexpectedly require more assistance, as do certain tasks. Human behavior and needs can also be very unpredictable and impossible to schedule.
Those who excel in providing care understand the importance of allowing a resident to help get dressed or eat, even if it takes more time. Caregivers also know what it means to stay for an extra moment or two because the resident wants to tell a story or have someone to talk to.
- Humor
A healthy sense of humor is often what gets many of us through the day and it’s no different for those who are caregivers. In fact, it is likely a necessity to be able to see and express the lighter side of life.
Caregiving can be challenging work and you are only human. At the end of a long shift or on those days when it seems like everybody needs your help and time, humor is what allows you to take a breath and release the stress and frustration in a healthy way.
Have you considered caregiving in a senior living community?
If you see your own personality in these descriptions, you might want to consider whether a career as a caregiver in a senior living community could be the perfect fit for you.
Those that possess the intangibles and are dedicated to helping others will find several opportunities available to receive training and continuing education, allowing you to share your talent with those who need your care.
The benefits also return back to you. You’ll likely learn many valuable life lessons when working with older adults. Often, caregivers feel that they receive more from the residents than they are able to offer. What a wonderful gift.
Joining the team at Sinceri Senior Living
Joining the team at Sinceri Senior Living” headline changed to read: “Sinceri Senior Living specializes in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, fostering deep bonds between those who live and work in our communities – just like families.
We extend our commitment in creating this welcoming environment to our employees who form strong relationships with the residents and their coworkers. In fact, many of our team members think of the community they work in as their second home because of such strong connections.
The caregiver’s role is to first make our residents feel safe and secure. We strive to ensure everyone we hire is generous, compassionate and as committed as we are to provide excellent service at every opportunity.
We understand the stress that caregivers can experience and the challenge in trying to stay one step ahead of what a resident or family member might need or desire. We fully support their efforts as it truly takes a team to provide quality senior care.
If you’re interested in becoming a care partner with Sinceri Senior Living as we strive together to exceed expectations, we hope you’ll be in touch.
We also invite you to download our complimentary guide, Simple Self-Care for Caregivers and CNAs: 6 Ways to Take Care of Yourself so You can Care for Others, which includes helpful tips and steps you might try.
