10 Traveling Caregiver Tips to Make Work Easier

Tips for Home Health Caregivers

Being a health caregiver can be incredibly demanding. It requires medical knowledge, good communication skills, quick thinking, and a willingness to assist others. For home health care workers, there is also the added challenge of traveling from one patient’s home to the next.?

Entering into this field can feel overwhelming. The great news is this is a field that many thrive in! Here are some tips to help you excel at being a home health caregiver.

1 | Have a Positive Mindset

Remember the old saying that laughter is the best medicine? Having a positive mindset can set the mood for your day. To work in the healthcare field, you need a sense of humor to help you get through the day.

2 | Be Prepared

Each day in home healthcare will be different. That means it is incredibly important to be prepared for anything. You never know when a patient might need some supplies. So turn your vehicle into a little supply store that you can reach into when the unexpected happens.?

3 | Put Safety First

Traveling to various locations can mean dealing with various safety situations. You may be heading into a neighborhood that isn’t as safe, or dealing with a broken step leading into a patient’s home. Here are some things to help keep you safe while on the job:

• Make sure to always have your cell phone and a charger on you at all times.?
• Park in well lit areas if you are out after dark.?
• Wear shoes with good traction for snowy and icy days.?
• Finish your paperwork inside rather than lingering in your vehicle.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Always trust your instincts and if you feel unsafe, make sure you call a colleague or director to let them know about the situation.

4 | Get Organized?

As a professional caregiver, your days will be very busy. You don’t want to waste time looking for supplies, paperwork, or other items you may need. Keep your extra supplies in your vehicle organized. Make sure to have extra pens, notepads, and paperwork organized for easy access. Also, plot out your route to make the most of your time and to minimize travel time.?

5 | Build Relationships

Work on building relationships with your patients. Having a positive and trusting relationship allows you to provide high quality care. Consider getting to know your patients and their family caregivers on a more personal level. But don’t forget to maintain a professional relationship while learning more about your patient. When you get to know your patients on a deeper level, you will be able to formulate more appropriate treatments for each patient.??

6 | Flexibility is Key

While you may plan out your route to make the best use of your time, keep flexibility in mind. You never know when road construction may slow you down, or when you have to fill in for a sick co-worker. One of the best ways to keep your schedule flexible is to plan in a little extra time for each patient, so that if you are running behind for one patient, you don’t stay behind the entire day.?

7 | Be Ready for Paperwork

Paperwork is a given in today’s medical field. Certain things must be documented for medical, financial, legal, and practical reasons. While it may not be fun, completing it does get easier and faster with practice. When you are first starting out, be sure to add some extra time into your schedule so you don’t feel rushed completing this important part of your job.??

8 | Bring Extra Clothes

Accidents happen! However, it’s important to remain looking professional or to minimize any contamination spread. Pack an extra set of scrubs, underwear, socks, and even shoes just in case you ever need them. Changing into fresh scrubs when needed can ensure you stay comfortable and safe all day long.?

9 | Ask for Help

It’s okay to ask for help! You are part of a care team, so don’t be afraid to rely on them when needed. If you have a patient that is difficult to transfer, make sure you ask a team member to meet you there to help you out. Or, if you have questions, don’t be afraid to reach out to the appropriate resource for information and support.?

10 | Don’t Forget Continuing Education

Finally, continuing education is a great way to make sure you are familiar with updated procedures and policies. Consider taking classes online or at a local school to refresh and maintain your industry knowledge. You should also read published articles on subject matter you need to learn more about. The more you know, the better care you can provide to your patients!

Key Takeaways

Being a caregiver is a rewarding career path. As a new home health care provider, it can be overwhelming. By following these tips, you’ll be able to provide better care for your patients.?

Looking for a home healthcare agency to work for? All American offers competitive benefits, including a higher salary plus free health insurance. Learn more about our current job openings and apply online today!?