What skills are needed for care – part 3

We have already listed, what we believe, 10 essential skills needed for care. We continue with this list below and add a final four. You can find parts 1 here and 2 here.

What are the final 4 skills needed for care?

11. Calmness under pressure

It’s no secret that working in health can be stressful. Carers are extremely busy people and juggling time constraints with the desire to provide the best care possible to their customers is a constant balancing act for them. Remaining calm under pressure is an essential characteristic of an excellent carer.

12. Reliability

For many vulnerable individuals, carers are their lifelines. They may not have much contact with friends or family and rely on care input for much needed social interaction. Therefore, reliability in the role is key, not least because these individuals often rely on their carers to assist with basic activities of daily living.  

13. Patience

Working with customers suffering from physical and psychological health issues requires patience. A calm presence is essential to put an individual at ease, especially in conditions such as dementia, with altered behaviour often a primary symptom. Alternatively, individuals with mobility issues or personal care needs may be slower in their activities and require extra help. Although carers must often maintain a tight schedule, working with customers at their own pace can improve the delivery of care.

14. Flexibility

Care work is one of the most varied jobs in the Health and Social Care Sector. Many in the community love what they do because every day looks completely different. However, this variety also means that every customer has unique needs which must be accommodated. Also, unlike most jobs, care work doesn’t stop at 5pm. Customers sometimes have care needs that stretch through the day and night. As a carer, this means being flexible in your approach in helping customers maintain a good quality of life.

In conclusion

These practical skills which are needed for care work can be taught and practised, but often it’s the softer, people skills, that make care workers so exceptional in their role. 

Compassion, patience, and a positive attitude all play a big part in providing the best care.

If you, or anyone you know, needs care or is interested in a career as a carer, please get in touch with us here.