Essential Traits of Caregivers

Patience


Patience is one of the most important traits that a caregiver can have, especially when dealing with seniors. Oftentimes, a senior might have difficulty expressing what they want or need. In this situation, caregiver should be patient and take the time to understand their senior’s needs. Also, this trait is significant because it promotes a safe environment. For instance, if an emergency were to occur, a caregiver practicing patience would be better equipped in helping the senior. By thinking clearly and remaining calm, the caregiver would be better at choosing the best and fastest way to help.


Compassion


Another essential trait of caregivers is compassion. When someone has compassion for another person, they have an idea of what the person is going through. This trait comes in handy when a senior is in pain or going through a difficult time. The caregiver practicing compassion will provide aid to the senior in a gentle manner ensuring that they feel comforted and taken care of. Furthermore, the senior feels at ease and is more likely to cooperate with the caregiver when this trait is present. With compassion, the caregiver is more in tune with the senior and is able to better assist and provide what is necessary.


Dependability


How can a senior rely on their caregiver? They cannot if the caregiver lacks dependability. This trait is crucial because a senior depends on a caregiver at all times. Without dependability, a caregiver has essentially failed in their role as a caretaker and provider. Further, this trait is significant because, in case of an emergency, the senior knows that he/she can count on their caregiver to save them. The absence of dependability also leads to other conflicts such as lack of trust and communication.


Being Observant


Being an observant caregiver might seem self-explanatory, however, this trait oftentimes does not get enough credit. Let’s put it this way, if a caregiver is not observant, he/she will overlook the fact that their senior might have dropped their medication on the floor, resulting in them not having taken it. An observant caregiver, on the other hand, will notice minute details in a given moment. They will see that the senior needs their pillow readjusted to be comfortable on the couch, or that they need their glass of water to be refilled. Overall, observant caregivers are better suited to fulfill their job duties and make an impact on someone’s life.

Positive Attitude


Another important component of a caregiver is a positive attitude. This is especially crucial in times of distress or an emergency. Keeping the environment positive in a not-so-positive situation can do wonders. For instance, in an emergency scenario, the seniors seeing their caregiver maintaining a positive attitude will in turn allow them to be relaxed and composed. Additionally, the caregiver’s positivity will help seniors feel a bit better if they are sick. All in all one thing is for certain, no harm can be done from positivity.

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Finally, Thanksgiving is upon us! A time filled with friends, family, great food, and laughter. However, one thing that makes this holiday different from other American holidays is its emphasis on gratefulness. Thanksgiving is all about appreciating those around us and being grateful for the things we have, aside from its historical significance of course. Whether you are a caregiver, a family member, or a friend, the holidays provide a great opportunity to keep your relationship with a senior strong. Here are a few fun activities for family members and seniors to participate in: Baking This is a great activity for seniors as well as the whole family, especially since food is a staple at Thanksgiving. Some things worth baking during this season are things like pumpkin pie, apple pie, cheesecake, or simple things like chocolate-chip cookies. The children can also join, helping bake the cookies and then decorating them. For healthier baked goods, one can look online or ask the senior for some dessert recipes. What would make the senior happier than baking something from their childhood? Relive Moments Through Scrapbooking If you have a pile of photographs that you’ve been saving, now is the perfect time to bring them out! This is also a great activity for seniors with Alzheimer’s as a photograph and recalling when it was snapped might jog their memory. Decorating the scrapbook with stickers and other items might even invite the kids to join in as well. Later on, the kids will inherit the scrapbooks and be able to look back on the great memories they’ve made. Holiday Decorating Decorating the house for the holidays is another festive activity which seniors can most definitely participate in. Put out some cinnamon-scented pine cones or even some autumn colored trinkets to the space. Go outside and collect some beautiful fall-time leaves which have fallen down. Another great idea is taking the senior to a pumpkin patch and picking out some pumpkins to decorate the front of the house. Shopping Many might overlook this festive activity, however seniors can be brought along to help with the Thanksgiving shopping list. Not only will they be great company, but they might also provide some tips for which items to purchase. Have the senior hold the shopping list and keep track of all the items you buy, this will ensure that nothing is forgotten. After that, have the senior pick a place where they would like to eat and thank them for their help.
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