The role of a care worker is a varied one; using a variety of amazing skills. And these skills change lives in a variety of ways.
From empathy to dedication, friendliness to flexibility, the skills of a care worker make a difference than can be seen – that can be felt – in the lives of those they support.
But how do the skills of a social care worker change lives – in a practical, everyday sense?
The Role of a Care Worker: Transforming Lives
The impact a care worker makes on someone’s life isn’t always easy to explain. In fact, it’s something that’s better shown than told.
So, in the spirit of highlighting the amazing difference a care worker can make, we thought we’d put together something that explains exactly how the role of a care worker changes lives.
Friendliness: Lifting Spirits
Easily the most important skill a care worker possesses, friendliness also happens to have the most obvious impact on a service user’s life.
To quote a song, “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.”
And it’s true! By simply being their friendly, upbeat selves, care workers change the lives of those they support every time they see them.
The challenges faced by service users can be significant, so, whether supporting someone living with dementia or handling some’s day-to-day needs as a live-in carer, friendliness lifts spirits during difficult times.
Empathy: Tackling Loneliness in the Elderly
As people age, their social circle may shrink, and, in some cases, mobility issues can prevent them from getting out and enjoying social contact with others.
However, elder loneliness is often overlooked; despite the effect it can have on an elderly person.
And that’s where empathy comes in.
People need to know that they’re cared for. And that that care is genuine. Nobody likes to feel like they’re a burden. Or, worse, a task on someone’s list.
No. People want to connect with each other; especially in later years, when those connections may not be as easy to make.
And so, simply by showing the empathy that comes naturally to care workers, the lives of the elderly can be transformed.
Dedication: Making People Feel Supported
It sounds simple, doesn’t it?
And it is. But that’s the point.
Dedication costs nothing but means everything. It’s the difference between someone feeling comfortable that their needs are taken care of and worrying about the future.
By knowing they’re supported by a dedicated care worker, a person will be able to relax; safe in the knowledge that there’s someone on their side, no matter what.
And that can be truly life-changing; having a dramatic impact on a person’s happiness and wellbeing.
Patience: Offering Comfort
Like dedication, patience costs nothing. But the impact it can have on a person’s life – though not always obvious – can be huge.
Whether someone is living with a learning disability, or recovering from a spinal injury, it’s important that they feel as though they can love at their own pace – whatever that may mean.
And, like anyone, someone living with complex needs will – through no fault of their own – sometimes be challenging, or difficult, but the patience shown by their care worker will reassure them; letting them know that they’ll be supported, even when things are tough.
And that can be of enormous comfort.
The role of a care worker can be varied, but the skills of a care worker change lives; in more ways than most can imagine.
If you’re thinking of becoming a care worker, be sure to check out our current vacancies, as well as our care worker resources. https://abbotscare.com/care-worker-resources/
