Top Ten Skills

Being a Community Care Assistant is a truly incredible job. Most of the qualities required are soft skills and we have put together what we feel are ten of the top skills demonstrated by our team that are central to being an incredible Care Assistant.

Being a Community Care Assistant is a truly incredible job. Most of the qualities required are soft skills and we have put together what we feel are ten of the top skills demonstrated by our team that are central to being an incredible Care Assistant.
 
If reading this inspires you to find out more about starting a career with Bluebird Care Rother & Hastings, we would love to hear from you!
 
Skill 1 – Patience
 
For those looking at how to become a Care Assistant, patience key. Sometimes our customers may be slower at moving about or explaining what they need. They may also be difficult or frustrated, prone to taking that out on their carer.
 
Remaining calm and patient no matter how stressful the task at hand may be is truly a skill and is incredibly important as this puts the customer at ease and helps care be provided in a positive way.
 
Skill 2 – Wearing A Smile
 
A smile is often much more powerful than a thousand words.
 
Their Care Assistant may be the only person our customers come into contact with during their day, so if they are pleasant, friendly and personable this can make a real difference.
 
A cheerful demeanour also puts customers at ease and helps them to feel comfortable – and this is especially important when supporting with personal care.
 
Skill 3 – Being Able To Multi Task
 
When looking at how to become a Care Assistant, one of the key things to consider is being able to multi-task.
 
Often it is necessary to work alone or as part of small teams. Good care skills means it is possible to step up to the challenge and effectively deal with more than one task at once whilst ensuring the level of care provided remains high.
 
Skill 4 – Being Able To Think Quickly
 
The very nature of care means that things can change quickly – especially when customers have severe care needs. Therefore, one of the skills of a good carer, is the ability to think on their feet and deal with unexpected occurrences and difficult situations can be invaluable – and can even save lives.
 
Skill 5 – Punctuality 
 
Because often those receiving care look forward to or plan their day around care provision. Being late can be disruptive or disappointing and may even impact on the level and amount of care that person receives if time is restricted.
 
Skill 6 – Willingness To Learn
 
Good Care Assistants are always wanting to learn more, progress further, be better at what they do and provide the best care possible.
 
Skill 7 – Being A Good Listener
 
Naturally people receiving care often have stories to tell or feel they need someone to talk to – especially elderly customers. 
 
Therefore, having good, and patient, listening skills is one of the many qualities of a carer for the elderly.  Great carers take time to listen – both to the feedback they receive and any issues patients share with them, but also in a personal capacity.
 
Skill 8 – Kindness And Empathy
 
A little kindness goes such a long way – and it is often greatly appreciated. When our staff put themselves into the shoes of their customer they can truly appreciate the difference they can make.
 
Skill 9 – Willingness To Go The Extra Mile
 
Good caring skills mean that our staff will stay past their clocking off time if it means a patient is properly attended to.
 
They will go out of their way to find the snacks a patient loves, sit for longer than they should as they talk about their family, or signpost them to other services when they indicate that they are struggling or need more support.
 
It’s these little touches that make a really good Care Assistant make a huge difference. Especially where you supporting older people.
 
Skill 10 – Taking Responsibility
 
Our Care Assistants have a lot of responsibility, however they take this in their stride and never underestimate the importance of the work they do.