Although “compassion” isn’t listed as a job skill on resumes in many industries, in caregiving jobs it is an essential quality. Whether you’ve just entered the workforce, are seeking a career change, or are looking for a job after years of caring for loved ones, your nurturing skills are valuable.
More than 75% of adults over 50 would prefer to age in their own homes, and they need the support and skills of compassionate professionals to help them maintain their independence and enjoy their current season of life.
What are Nurturing Skills?
In an opinion piece on the popular career site Glassdoor, one author points out that people who have been out of the workforce caring for their own children and loved ones have many qualities valuable to the workforce. Skills like understanding how to listen well and be flexible are important. Knowing how to offer encouragement so others can excel independently are essential elements of nurturing skills.
Where Nurturing Skills Fit Into Caregiving
Caregiver jobs allow professionals to implement their nurturing skills in order to make a difference in others’ lives. You might use your gift of compassion to support clients as a caregiver by:
Supporting Independence
The main role of a caregiver is to help others live as independently as possible. Just as nurturers often seek to equip young people to grow into independent, healthy, happy adults, caregivers work to help clients enjoy a high quality of life and autonomy. Nurturing skills provide the framework to help people with disabilities or who are senior citizens.
Encouraging healthy choices
Caregiving clients have a range of challenges, some of which may relate to their mental, emotional, or physical health. As a caregiver, you may encourage clients to take care of themselves and to make choices that will best support positive life experiences. For example, caregivers often promote proper nutrition, helping clients fuel themselves healthily.
Showing compassion through challenges
Natural nurturers know how to ask open-ended questions, which Mental Health America highlights as an important skill for caregivers. Many clients face loneliness, discouragement, frustration, and more. A caregiver knows how to show compassion and listen well, especially when clients face challenges.
Extending a sense of understanding
At times, caregivers encounter clients who are in need of grace and understanding. The challenges clients face can be difficult, and a caregiver is there to offer care in a variety of ways- including through extending kindness. Being able to remain calm and compassionate when clients are upset or combative is important for helping overcome hurdles.
Are you looking to make a difference as a caregiver?
Consider joining Cherished Companions in our mission to provide compassionate home care. As a top-ranked workplace in Ohio and the nation, we are looking for caregivers who share our commitment to quality, compassionate care for seniors and their families. Call or apply online today!
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