The answer as to whether caregiver are in need of good communication skills is a definite YES. This is because caregivers are required to effectively communicate with their clients for many hours out of each and every day.
But let’s first begin with, “what is a caregiver?”
A caregiver is a person who attends to the needs of a sick or disabled person or dependent child. Caregivers should be flexible since they need to adapt to the needs of their clients. Also caregivers just might be assigned to a Spanish, French or other foreign community where they have to cater to an aged or disabled person who either doesn’t speak English or has some level of difficulty with the language the caregiver speaks. This is one of the very reason why many caregiver courses incorporate communication skills and language courses in their curriculum.
Developing good communication skills for the caregiver is a very important part of the caregiver training. The old, disabled or sick people, need the full attention of the caregiver. However, each client might have different requirements and their expectations can be relatively different from person to person. Therefore, being able to learn how to communicate with them properly is a great advantage.
As a caregiver, you must be cautious about on the use of words and actions. These can be learned through communication skills enhancement books or training courses.
When dealing with people, the basic of communication skills for the caregiver are most important, for example, looking at someone and making eye contact is vital in the human connection and in showing respect. Constructive communication is the key to dealing with people diagnosed with an illness in your care.
Some basic guidelines for good communication skills for the caregiver in rendering care to younger and dependent people are:
- Be clear and specific when communicating with your client. Speak directly to the person and don’t just guess what they need from you or assume they understand what you need from them. You have to tell them what you want and say it in a charming and pleasant manner.
- Instead of using “You” messages, make use of “I” messages. This way, you are expressing your feelings without blaming your client or causing them to act defensive.
- Recognize the rights and feelings of the person. Don’t say something that will intentionally hurt them.
- As a vital part of communication especially in rendering care to the sick, you have to be a good listener. People not only sick adults and children want someone who can listen to them to express their feelings. When a sick person, child or dependable adult wants to express something and they aren’t given the time and attention, they tend to misbehave and withdraw.
- Use body language to improve communication between you and your client. (This includes non verbal cues and gestures)
- Encourage them and be reassuring when they need help.
- Pay attention to them at all times.
- Don’t attempt to complete a person’s thoughts or sentences when he/she is communicating with you.
- Use a tone of voice which suits the conversation. For example if your client needs to hear something good from you, it’s important to use an encouraging tone.
- Wait for responses to questions and acknowledge the feelings of your client even if you don’t agree with them.
- Listen to the level of language the person is able to communicate with, and when responding, make use of terminologies and language that suits their level of understanding.
- Most sick, aged and dependable people like to be addressed a certain way, if they prefer to be addressed in such way, then address them that way. This makes it easy for you and your client to relate to one another.
As a caregiver, these pointers can effectively help you in relating better with your clients. Using these techniques can also help you understand them and know how and what they are feeling in times of needs and troubles.