Skills for care – part 2

Following on from our previous blog regarding skills for care, which you can find here, we wanted to set out some more qualities that we feel are helpful when working as a carer.

What other skills for care are helpful?

6. Positivity

As a carer, you’re on the front line, facing customers’ health challenges alongside them.  You’ll naturally build close relationships with your customers, and it may be difficult to see their health suffer.  However, if you can remain strong and positive during these, sometimes difficult, times, it can be infectious, helping your customers face such difficulties more effectively.

7. Empathy

As a carer, it’s important to place yourself in your customer’s shoes.  How would you feel in their situation?  How might you react?  Imagining yourself in such scenarios allows you to build a greater understanding of your customer’s mindset and behaviour, helping you provide the individual support they need.

8. Desire to learn

While no formal qualifications are required for care work, training must be completed to ensure you’re safe and effective at work.  But your education doesn’t stop after you’ve completed your induction.  Treating every day as a learning experience can improve your knowledge and skills as a carer.  

9. Going the extra mile

The best carers know that they’re responsible for providing the best quality of life possible for their customers.  Even in stressful or demanding situations, they go the extra mile for vulnerable individuals, often without any fanfare or recognition.  Those added touches could include anything, from showing interest in a customer’s personal history, to asking their family how they like their cup of tea!

10. Open-mindedness

Care work involves dealing with people from diverse backgrounds, with the behavioural, cultural and religious differences that entails.  Carers treat their customers with respect, regardless of their lifestyle and beliefs, and ensure that they receive the dignity they deserve throughout their care journey.

What do you think of our skills for care list?

We are planning to share more so please keep your eyes peeled on our blogs for these.

If you, or someone you know, has the appropriate skills for care, please direct them to our jobs page here.