17/01/2017
Every profession has certain requirements and caring is no different. There are certain characteristics that you will find in every carer you meet. If you are genuinely interested in following this career path, then take a good look at yourself and see if you can relate to these. They are by no means all the qualities that make a carer, but they are a starting point.
1. Compassion and Understanding
A carer will need to be able to see the world from their client's perspective and still not judge them or criticise them, but rather feel sympathetic to their needs. It is important to be able to understand how a client is feeling, what makes them angry, sad or frustrated and to care enough to try to change those things.
2. Flexible
You will always need a certain amount of flexibility in this job. You need to be prepared to change. Last week you did the laundry on Monday but this week it may have to be Wednesday. Your break may have been 2-4 pm yesterday but due to a doctor appointment may have to be 11am – 1pm today. Nothing is set in stone with a client, who knows how the day will pan out. You should be ready to adapt and change as needed.
3. Professional
It is very important to keep things in perspective and to maintain a professional approach to this job. A point to remember here is that you may be close to the client and fulfill their needs but you are not 'one of the family'. Carers often take a break just to keep some distance between themselves and client and family. In a 9-5 job, you have a lunch break, and similarly with caring you are entitled to time off.
4. Be Sensitive
Everything becomes easier if the carer is sensitive to the needs of the client. This means being aware of a client's needs even before they voice them. It means being more concerned with someone else and their problems. Not being critical or biased and knowing when to talk and when to listen. Being situationally aware is important as this way you will be able to see when things are starting to go wrong and pre-empt the situation.
5. Sense of Humour
Probably one of the most important qualities a carer should have is humour. It can dispel all sorts of awkward situations and can quickly put a new client at ease with you. If you can laugh at yourself (never at a client) and try to take things less seriously than they seem, you will lighten the burden that is on your client's shoulders. As soon as a client laughs (even at you) the ice is broken and you are on the way to having a relatively good trip!
Conclusion
These are just a few attributes that make a good carer. There are many more, such as patience and kindness – to name a few more. If you feel that you have these qualities, then you are well on your way to becoming a carer.
