Going about each day for a caregiver is a unique and different experience. Most people who are not in the trenches of caregiving think that it is a very mundane job with little thought going into the same thing each day. The truth is caregivers must be versatile and have the ability to multitask with the best of them. They may be in the mist of putting the medication in a medicine distribution box and discover the one activity the person likes, the TV is not working. Stopping everything and putting medication is a safe place the caregiver must correct with problem with the TV. This fix may require reconnecting the cable box, retuning the cable box, moving a cable dish or bringing in the bedroom TV. Or it may require calling for a technician and then keeping our friend entertained until the TV is working again.
Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes, not to mention gender and species. The one thing that will transcend caregiving abilities is for the caregiver to form a lasting, trusted relationship. Individuals have basic needs and most all people can fulfill these needs. However, it is very important to make sure there is little or no personality conflict between the person in need and the caregiver. Trust must be built with a capital ‘T’.
Sometimes the very best caregiver has four legs and fur. If an individual has a pet or has always had a pet, it is the pet who they will respond to, when no one else can get through. As a caregiver (person) working in this home, you will come to not only appreciate this pet, but from time to time requesting the help and recognition of this pet. Nothing can absolutely defuse a volatile situation quicker than a pet coming into the room. And nothing will work better to get someone out of bed than a pet.
So, don’t discount your extra help, rather praise and encourage it. If you are a family member living out of the area, you will learn how blessed you are to have that four legged caregiver as time goes along. Take your help where and when you can get it; being a caregiver is an involved job with lots of responsibilities. You are chosen to be that person because you have the unique powers to sooth and create, to show value and trust, to show compassion and nurturing. You are honored as a trusted friend.
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