Caregivers

Five things caregivers wish clients knew about them

Caregivers and clients end up spending a lot of their time together. It is important to talk about things caregivers wish their clients knew about them. With more understanding, clients and caregivers' lives can improve.

In this blog, we will discuss five things caregivers wish clients knew about them. The five things are that: 

  1. Caregivers are here to help and support you, not judge you
  2. Caregivers want to understand your unique needs 
  3. Caregivers want to work with clients to create the right plan of care
  4. Caregivers appreciate your feedback
  5. Caregivers strive to have work-life balance

Read below to find out more about these five topics.

 

1. Caregivers are here to help and support you, not judge you. 

Caregivers are here to help clients, not judge them. Caregivers understand that clients may be dealing with difficult emotions. Clients may have:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Anger

Caregivers know this and want to help. This is why clients should not be afraid of judgment. They should know that caregivers are here to provide a safe environment for them. Caregivers want their clients to feel happier and safe in their care.

Caregivers are even trained to help clients with these issues. They also understand that it can be difficult to open up and talk about personal issues. But, above all, they want to provide clients with a safe space to do so. Their main goals are to: 

  • Help clients find healthy ways to cope with negative emotions
  • Be the person that a client can turn to

Clients shouldn't be afraid to open up to caregivers. We know it is scary to open up. But, it can often make clients feel much better to tell someone about their emotions. This is why clients should know caregivers are here to help and not judge.

 

2. Caregivers want to be part of a unique care plan for you 

Caregivers want to be part of a unique care plan. They would like their clients to know this. If they are part of a unique plan, clients will get the best possible care.

The #1 goal for caregivers is to make their clients feel comfortable. The best way to do this is by listening to clients. All clients have different needs. When caregivers listen, they can make sure they care for all their client's needs.

An example of providing unique care is:

If a caregiver knows that a client enjoys tea when they are down, they can make sure to get this for them. Getting to know what your client needs and likes helps to provide great care.

Another example of providing unique care is:

If a caregiver knows a certain topic of conversation is difficult for a client to talk about, they can make sure to avoid it. This could be a topic like aging or anything else that makes a client sad.

Caregivers also want clients to know that they truly care about their wellbeing. Any tips that clients may have can go a long way to help. For example, as a client, you can let your caregiver know:

  • If anything bothers you
  • Any tips for providing better care
  • What your preferences are

Once a client tells a caregiver what they prefer, the caregiver can make sure to do this.

Caregivers also know that every person is different and has different needs. This is why they try to make sure they are meeting their needs in the best way possible. Caregivers understand that sometimes this may involve trial and error. But, caregivers are very willing to keep trying.

At the end of the day, caregivers try their best to provide the best care possible. They will do whatever they can to make sure their clients are doing well. Caregivers also will always listen and change their approach if needed. They understand that providing quality care takes up a lot of time. But, they love to care for others and want to make it the best as possible.

 

3. Caregivers want to work with clients to create the right plan of care.

Caregivers want to work with their clients to create the right plan of care. If caregivers and clients work together, care can be its best.

  • If only the caregiver is working to provide care, they may miss out on knowing what a client wants. But, if they work with their client, they can both make sure the client is happy.
  • If only a client is making their care plan, they may miss out on the medical knowledge a caregiver has. This is why it is important that caregivers and clients work together to create care plans. 

Caregivers also understand that their clients are the experts in their own care. This is why they want to work with their clients to help them reach their:

  • Goals
  • Needs
  • Preferences 

Caregivers can use their knowledge while keeping the client’s wishes in mind. The caregiver can make sure the plan is helpful in meeting the client’s needs. 

If caregivers and clients work together, clients will have the best possible care. Together, they can create plans of care focused on respect, open communication, and teamwork.

 

4. Caregivers appreciate your feedback.

Caregivers like feedback. They understand they need it to give the best care. This is why they wish clients would give it without being afraid.

We encourage clients to provide feedback. This does not mean giving feedback all the time. When a client gives feedback too much, a caregiver can feel:

  • Overwhelmed
  • Down on themself
  • That they are a bad caregiver 

When anyone has criticism too often, they can feel like they are not doing well. Caregivers still want feedback when it is necessary. They need to know what their clients like and don't like. This is why it's important to provide feedback when:

  • A caregiver does well
  • But also when something needs to be improved

For example, if a caregiver does something a client likes, the client should let them know. This could be preparing a meal they like. On the other hand, if a caregiver does something the client does not like, the client should let them know. This could be lifting them from a chair in an uncomfortable way.

Caregivers see how giving feedback can be scary as a client. But, feedback is an important part of the care process. Input and feedback from clients is very welcomed by caregivers.

 

5. Caregivers want to have work-life balance.

Caregivers want to have a healthy work-life balance. This wish their clients knew this. If clients don't understand this, they might ask too much of a caregiver. For example, they might:

  • Call their caregiver when they are not working
  • Ask a caregiver to do too many chores around the house 
  • Request a caregiver does extra errands for them

Any of these requests are not good because caregivers are not maids. They also have lives outside of work. They are not 24/7 caregivers. 

Caregivers spend a lot of their time and energy helping clients. But, clients should remember caregivers are people too. We all have bad days. This is why a client should be patient if their caregiver is slower or less chatty one day. A client could even ask their caregiver if they are okay if they sense they are down. Remembering that all people have bad days can help improve client-caregiver relations.

 

Conclusion

Clients should try to be aware of what their caregivers wish they knew about them. If this happens, there will be healthier client-caregiver relationships. Better relationships create a better working environment and happier caregivers and clients.

Clients should try their best to understand the points outlined in this blog. Once they do that, client-caregiver relationships will improve.

 

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