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What does it take to care for a person in their golden years? The term “golden years” sounds very positive, but the truth is, this job isn’t for the faint of heart. Elders are in the most vulnerable years of their life and, until you start working with them, you have no idea what it’s about.

The senior population is growing faster than ever, so it makes sense that today, we need more elder care professionals than we did yesterday. Their jobs are more important than they know, but not all of them are cut out for it. Some elder care professionals just aren’t meant for the profession they’re in because this isn’t just showing up. You need to show up with purpose, empathy, and plenty of skills.

New challenges are waiting at every turn because no two people are alike, especially when they’re old and, more often than not, cranky. So, what sets those that are great caregivers apart from those that should probably find another career path?

Let’s see.

Skills Every Good Elder Care Professional Needs to Have

Once you’re done with education and you have the technical part of your career down, you shouldn’t think it’s enough to be a good caregiver.

Here are some traits every great elder care professional has.

1. Good Communication

Clear, compassionate communication is a must. You have to be able to convey information in a way that both the patient and their family will understand so there’s less confusion and anxiety. For instance, if you explain a plan for a treatment or medication schedule in simpler terms, patients will be more relaxed.

Keep in mind; an elder care worker is often a mediator and has to handle the family’s concerns about the quality of care or even resolve misunderstandings between team members. If your communication skills are excellent, this will go a lot easier.

1. Being Able to Adapt

No two days will be the same for a professional caring for elders, and that’s one of the good sides of the job. If you’re not able to adapt easily, though, it will be a nightmare.

Patients’ needs change all of the time based on their health conditions or unforeseen circumstances. You might need to provide mobility assistance to one patient and at the same time, manage changes in diet for another. Then there are emergencies, like falls or sudden declines in health, where you need to stay calm and think on your feet to keep your patients safe.

Unless you’re adaptable, you won’t be able to handle any of these in a confident, professional way, and anything less than that is unacceptable.

1. Attention to Detail

If you’re in healthcare, you already know that a tiny obvious difference can indicate an onset of serious issues, so you need to be able to pay attention to details. Great elder care professionals are vigilant and can notice early signs of dehydration, which can be extremely dangerous, and they can intervene before it becomes a problem.

They can also spot the beginnings of a bedsore and prevent painful complications. Staying alert and attentive goes a long way, and if that doesn’t sound like something you’re capable of, it might be best to look for another career.

1. Teamwork and Collaboration

Elder care relies on teamwork. You have to work with other medical staff, administrators, and families to give your patients the best, most comprehensive care. You might have to coordinate with a nurse to adjust your patient’s medication or work with a physical therapist on mobility exercises. Collaboration improves care and builds stronger relationships among everyone involved.

Of course, collaboration often includes something not so positive, which is reporting any signs of neglect or abuse to the Nursing Home Law Center. But remember that your priority is always the well-being of your patients, not making friends with the people you work with.

1. Being Physically and Emotionally Resilient

Caring for patients of any kind is physically and emotionally demanding. But when those patients are elders, the demands can be even more serious. A caregiver has to help with lifting, transferring, and supporting patients, all of which requires strength and stamina.

Emotional resilience is just as important because stress is part of the job, and that includes end-of-life care and taking care of patients with complicated health conditions.

A lot of caregivers go to support groups to keep their sanity and manage emotional fatigue. If that doesn’t sound like something you want to do, make sure to find a way to maintain your well-being somehow.

Conclusion

So, what does it take to be a great caregiver? In short – a lot. It’s a calling, not a career, and not many people are able to do it well. If you think you might be successful at it, consider your skills and traits and be very strict with yourself. It’s far better to give up before you even start than to waste time, possibly hurt someone, and then come to the conclusion that elder care might not be for you.

If, however, have what it takes to be good at it, the job will be as rewarding as it will be hard. It will test your limits for sure, but it will also give back in a way few other careers can.