With a growing number of elderly people choosing to stay in their own homes for as long as possible rather than moving to the unfamiliar surroundings of a residential care home, there is a growing need for people to work in the live-in care sector.
If you have been considering a career as a live-in carer, then you may be wondering exactly what soft skills will be of benefit to you in the role.
Here we look at exactly what constitutes a soft skill and the skills that will really be effective to someone working in the live-in-care sector.
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What Is A Soft Skill?
When it comes to the skills that are needed for any job people understand the need for the relevant professional and industry-relevant skills.
These are skills that can be gained through training. However, when it comes to soft skills, some people are not exactly sure what this means.
Soft skills, sometimes referred to as core skills or common skills, are a group of skills that are transferrable from one profession to another.
They include things like problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, a professional attitude to work, communication and listening, and a great work ethic.
They are the sort of skills that everyone has to some degree at the start of their career and are improved over time with experience learned in any role.
Here are the soft skills we think are essential for those considering working as a live-in carer.
Top 4 Soft Skills You Will Need As A Live-in Carer
1. Communication and listening
A huge part of the live-in-care role involves providing companionship to the elderly person.
The ability to listen to a person’s opinions and wishes and respect what they have to say will go a long way towards helping to foster a trusting and caring relationship.
This will allow the elderly person to feel comfortable and secure. Communication is a key skill that is not only needed when talking with the elderly person, but good communication skills are essential when accompanying them on appointments with the doctors, opticians, etc.
The ability to retain and then clearly communicate any instructions given during appointments can make all the difference to the person being cared for.
2. Organization
The role of a live-in carer is a varied one and requires a good degree of organization in order to help deliver the appropriate care plan for the elderly person.
This may mean ensuring that medications are taken on time, appointments are attended, and even that trips to regular social activities take place as scheduled.
For many elderly people, a strict routine can really help so it is important for a live-in carer to be organized enough to follow this.
3. Caring
The ability to care for someone is a soft skill that not everyone is suited for. Being a live-in carer takes dedication and compassion, putting the considerations and needs of another before your own.
4. Patience
Being able to handle any situation without becoming frustrated and potentially distressing the elderly person you are caring for is also a vital soft skill.
If you think you have the soft skills required for work as a live-in carer, why not consider it as a career. You could certainly get job satisfaction from ensuring your care charge is safe, well, and comfortable as they age.
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