1 February 2016
We’ve come to the concluding installment of the “Qualities of a care giver” guide.
The last but most essential caregiver qualities are empathy and persistence.
Empathy
We know that gentleness, kindness, and sharing are important for the well-being in all individuals. These social and emotional skills are linked to empathy, ie. the ability of a person to not only understand what another person is experiencing (sympathy) but to feel it (empathy).
Without empathy, it is difficult for a person to understand and express many of the feelings that help them get along with others. When showing empathy, you ‘put yourself in their shoes’ and try to imagine the feelings of the other person and respond appropriately.
Empathy facilitates trust and disclosure leading to a stronger relationship between caregiver and recipient. Empathy can also make work feel more satisfying. Creating a strong empathic relationship as carer with a resident and/ or a family member will assist in making your role more meaningful as this adds to the relationship.
Persistence
Persistence is a key quality that carers should develop. Working in the aged care environment can be challenging and sometimes frustrating as this role can be emotionally and physically demanding.
Persistence is the ability to continually move forward, look for solutions, and work toward your goal. This quality is also the ability to confront challenges and retain your perspective. It means carrying on and doing your best even through failures or discouragement. Persistence is the driving trait behind strong leadership.
Through Carers Connect we have been identifying the attributes of a good PCA. Time and time again the quality that is key to good staff is persistence.
So keep at it and you will succeed!
Remember: “Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence!” – Hal Borland
Coming up next time: How Regis carers connect can build your skills.
