Caregivers have a key role in the life of a senior. They are not only responsible for their physical well-being. Carers also have a significant impact on the mental and emotional health of the people they care for. Building a strong relationship with your senior is the key to giving them the best care possible. Here are some tips on how to win over the senior you care for:
1. Listen and show interest
Listening is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver. Take the time to get to know your patient and take a genuine interest in their life. Ask him about his hobbies, interests and experiences. Your listening will make him feel that you appreciate him and that you really care about him.
2. Respect their independence
Seniors value their independence and it is important to respect it. Encourage them to do things on their own, even if it takes a little longer. This will help them maintain their dignity and sense of control. In addition, a daily routine can also improve the physical fitness and cognitive function of the elderly.
3. Be patient
Seniors may move more slowly or may have difficulty performing certain tasks. Be patient and offer support as needed. Remember that they may be experiencing frustration or embarrassment, and a little kindness can go a long way. It is never good to rush. On the other hand, positive reinforcement and recognition of what they manage to do can motivate them even more. Remember that most of the small tasks we do without noticing it can feel like climbing a mountain to them.
4. Share your own experience
Sharing your own experiences will help build a relationship with the senior you care for. It can be something simple, like talking about your favourite book or a trip you recently took. This will ensure that they see you as a friend and not just a carer, which will not only make your time with them more enjoyable, but also make your job easier.
5. Find common ground
Finding common interests or experiences can help build a bond between you. Maybe you both enjoy gardening or cooking. When you find out what it is and start doing it together, the time you spend will be much more enjoyable for both of you.
6. Be reliable
Seniors rely on their caregivers to be there for them. Make sure to show up on time and consistently give them the care they need. This will help build trust and confidence in your relationship. It may take a lot of consistency and a lot of work, but when you gain the trust of the senior, the time spent together will be much more enjoyable for both of you.
7. Show compassion
You never know what a person has been through or is going through. Seniors may be dealing with a variety of health issues and may feel vulnerable or scared. Showing compassion and understanding can be very helpful in building a strong relationship.
8. Keep a positive attitude
A positive attitude tends to be contagious. Maintaining a positive attitude will help improve a senior’s mood and outlook on life. Smile, laugh and look for ways to make him feel better. This will help create a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for both of you.
In the company Atena we understand the importance of building strong bonds between caregivers and seniors. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we at Atena are comitted to matching the right caregivers with seniors to ensure they receive the best possible care. We also believe in leading by example, and have been applying the tips we mentioned above in every situation for years.
