Being a caregiver can be demanding. Caregivers can be required to work extended hours including twelve to sixteen hour shifts. An example of a long shift is 8:00am to 8:00pm. Long shifts can mean fatigue, stress, distraction, and distress to untrained individuals. Trained individuals know how to pace themselves and ask for respite care when needing a break. Respite care is available for caregivers who need a moment or day for their wellness and health. Working long hours does have an impact on your personal life and can change patterns of rest. Here are a few tips to help caregivers make it through their long shifts.
- Hydration is important so ensure you hydrate daily and often.
- Know you limits. Ensure you not being over worked with cleaning tasks and heavy transitioning by yourself.
- Ask for help when you need it. Be careful with the client and ask for help when you are required to perform heavy lifting.
- Ensure you are clocking in and out accurately to company's instructions. When using an app or webpage ensure you are following the on-boarding instructions for clocking-in and clocking-out.
- Dress comfortably. Wear clothing that isn't too tight or too loose so you can make an professional impression while remaining comfortable.
- Don't over do it the day prior. Don't drink, smoke, or over-exert yourself the day prior. Some activities require more that 24 hours recovery and recovering at the clients house isn't a good idea. This can lead to negligence and mistakes so be careful.
- Remain alert if you are working third shift and never doze off!
- Practice mindfulness. Both self care and mindfulness are important in being successful at your caregiver job. Not growing tired or careless over the first few weeks being an important factor.
- Finally snack and eat when you have to at your hourly mark for lunch while managing the home. Ensure the client is safe first.
There are many benefits to working long hours like three twelve hour shifts. First you can save gas money. Working extended hours means your not driving to and from work five days a week. This both is convenient and efficient. You have more time during the week for yourself. This means you have more freedom with your week and can enjoy extended time to yourself. Chances are that on your time off you get called back into the office for more hours. This means opportunities for more money.
In conclusion caregivers working long hours play an important role in many peoples lives this poses both new challenges and opportunities. Ensure you are following your companies guidance and reading the employee handbook for your guide. The policies outlined in the employee handbook are the rules to follow for a good employee rating and a good time as an employee. So always follow these tips and remain safe Champs! Contact the office if you have any questions. Share your honest opinion during the app surveys that are designed to gage your safety, mood, improvements, and performance. There is always room for improvement so if you know something can improve let us know and we will work on it.