At Peaceful Pines Senior Living, each staff member carries the responsibility of making sure our residents are well taken care of and safe. From dining staff to maintenance techs, each role is vital to our communities. While many of these roles function behind the scenes, Caregiving staff at Peaceful Pines are somewhat more visible. They are alongside our residents, offering physical, emotional, and social support each day. Motivated by compassion and eagerness to love, Caregivers offer assistance to residents, and peace of mind to their loved ones.
Keep reading to learn more about the role of Caregivers at Peaceful Pines, and all the ways they are so necessarily ingrained in our team.
The Role of the Caregiver
Caregivers offer a range of physical and logistical support to Peaceful Pines residents. Their goal is to minimize difficulty and risk while maximizing independence and preserving privacy. Caregivers offer an incredible array of support, including routine assistance, home organization, reminders for events, appointments, or medications, and more.
Activities of Daily Living
Perhaps the most thought of set of tasks that Caregivers support residents with are referred to as Activities of Daily Living. These include bathing and personal hygiene, dressing/undressing, continence care, mealtimes, and mobility assistance. Caregivers work to encourage independence, while being fully present and ready to offer support. By making Activities of Daily Living easier, residents can focus more on the activities and plans they wish to participate in.
Mobility
Caregivers also offer mobility assistance for residents. They can assist with transfers, such as moving between chairs, getting up out of bed, or taking a walk. Caregivers also help to ensure that mobility assistance devices such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs are used properly; this helps residents avoid strain, injury, or discomfort. Finally, Caregivers help to keep our community safe from obstacles and are often the first to notice when maintenance is needed on doors, hand railings, or furniture. The attentiveness of our Caregivers reduces fall risks and helps keep our building safe for all residents.
Transportation & Healthcare
Caregivers also assist with tasks that aren’t as “hands on.” They can help schedule transportation assistance for residents with healthcare appointments driving limitations. While living at Peaceful Pines, Caregivers are our residents’ advocates (alongside their families); they help our nursing staff monitor and document any significant changes in mood, behavior, preferences, energy level, and overall wellness.
How Caregivers Connect
At Peaceful Pines, Caregivers often become someone that is consistently present with a given resident. Over time, Caregivers and residents build a trusting and friendly relationship. Both parties usually share stories about their lives, things they are going through, and topics they enjoy.
Caregivers also support social engagement for residents. They can encourage participation in group activities, introduce residents to neighbors and peers, and support family visits.
Finally, aging is a season of life that encompasses a lot of change, especially physically. Caregivers can offer stability and support by helping residents stick to healthy routines, encourage them to maintain their strength, and offer solutions to make physical tasks easier. They can also offer compassion through emotional transitions, such moving, the loss of a friend or loved one, or navigating medical needs.
Why Caregiving Matters
Caregivers shapes the daily resident experience in ways that are both visible and deeply meaningful. Caregivers boost residents’ confidence through the support provided and can make each resident feel special by adhering to their tailored care plans. When older adults have someone to help them, it actually extends their independence; without Caregivers, Peaceful Pines would not be able to keep the structure, stability, and safety that we are passionate about providing.
Tips From Caregivers at Peaceful Pines
Take Your Time
Being intentional to slow down can really improve the role of the Caregiver. Listening to stories all the way through, hearing out a person’s explanation of their needs, or helping them complete a task that they have struggled with can improve your Caregiving relationship. This display of authentic interest and care help residents feel comfortable and secure.
The Extra Mile
Going the extra mile comes from taking your time. It can mean a lot to our residents to have someone help them paint their nails, organize their laundry, clean their dishes, set up electronics, or play a round of cards with them. This companionship is a big part of Caregiving, and for our Caregiving staff, the standout moments usually happen within those extra mile efforts.
Recognize Efforts
Caregiving is primarily a selfless, supportive role. It requires a lot of patience, generosity, positivity, and willingness; these qualities are incredibly admirable and deserve appreciation! Letting Caregivers know that their efforts are making a difference and that their co-workers notice their efforts can be a great boost in motivation.
Caregiving at Peaceful Pines
At Peaceful Pines, Caregivers often spend the most time with our residents. They get to know them well, and help to ensure that they are comfortable, supported, engaged, and safe with us. Many people fit well into the role of a Caregiver here; from young students looking to gain experience in a real-world setting, to those who need flexible hours, and those who love getting to know our seniors. If you are looking to become part of a hardworking, positive, and loving team of people, see what positions we have available at peacefulpines.net!
