Caregivers are the pillars of hospitals, old age homes, and residential schools for people with disabilities. Since caregiving is a primary function, caregivers are critical players; they directly influence the lives of those they serve. If a caregiver is not properly trained or is unaware of every facet of his core duty and responsibility, the overall structure of an organisation may be compromised.
In India, the demand for trained caregivers is high. However, this need is unmet due to a lack of training centres and awareness, and untrained caregivers are often placed in these sensitive roles. Hiring untrained caregivers, who have no adequate knowledge and understanding, could lead to harassment and abuse.
Qualities of Trained Caregivers
1. Patience:
Caregivers need to be trained in maintaining their calm and remaining patient when working with people with disabilities, elderly individuals, or patients with various kinds of diseases. Owing to their condition, patients may not behave normally and elderly individuals may act like children. In these situations, caregivers must exhibit tremendous patience.
2. Communication:
Effective communication skills are crucial in the caregiving field. Beneficiaries, who may be suffering from diseases or disabilities, need to share their feelings. A caregiver plays a crucial role in this process; if the caregiver communicates positively, recovery or improvement in the beneficiary will be enhanced. Conversely, if the caregiver fails to communicate clearly and positively, the beneficiary may feel uncomfortable, which can adversely affect their well-being.
3. Empathy:
An empathetic approach is essential in caregiving. Caregivers must consider the feelings of the beneficiaries. Beneficiaries do not need sympathy; want they want is empathy, which calls for caregivers to provide high-quality care.
4. Acceptance:
Caregivers be accepting of the people they are caring for. Acceptance is a fundamental and catalyzing factor in caregiving services. Also, caregivers should accept all kinds of beneficiaries, including those who are blind, elderly, mentally ill, or have skin diseases without displaying negative reactions like disgust or shock.
5. Diet Awareness:
Caregivers need to be aware of the specific diet plans for beneficiaries. Diet directly affects the health of the beneficiary, and different individuals require different diet plans. The dietary needs of elderly individuals and those with disabilities vary. A lack of awareness about this basic requirement can adversely impact the beneficiary’s health.
6. Awareness about Cleanliness and ADL:
ADL (Activities of Daily Living) includes tasks such as brushing, grooming, bathing, and toileting. These activities are crucial for maintaining good health. Sometimes, people with disabilities or elderly individuals may not be able to perform their ADLs independently. Therefore, caregivers play an important role in supporting ADL activities. Cleanliness is equally vital in caregiving and includes maintaining beds and rooms and washing and folding clothes. These skills contribute to improving the quality of care.
7. Basic Knowledge of First Aid:
Trained caregivers need to have basic knowledge of first aid, as it is essential for addressing emergencies as they arise. Additionally, knowledge of basic medicine is necessary.
Time Management Skills: Time management, punctuality, and strict adherence to time schedules are non-negotiable in caregiving. Caregivers must adhere to timelines for diet and medications.
Navkshitij Initiative
Navkshitij has been dedicated to serving adults with intellectual disabilities through residential rehabilitation for the past 20 years. Our focus is on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities, which directly influences our caregiving approach. We are deeply committed to providing care that supports not only physical well-being but also emotional and mental peace. To achieve this, we ensure that our caregivers are well-trained to deliver high-quality care.
Our commitment to caregiving extends beyond serving those with intellectual disabilities. We realize that it is a crucial factor in running hospitals, old age homes, and residential schools. Currently, there is a shortage of trained caregivers in India, which impacts the quality of care available.
To address this gap, we have designed a basic three-month course for caregivers. The curriculum addresses the key areas mentioned above.
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