How To Rise To The Challenge In Social Care Work

As you may know, being a social care worker is a challenging career. People who go into this profession obviously have very good intentions: they want to help people. But sometimes that intention alone can't sustain a career in social care. You need something more. I have already written an article on what personality traits every social care worker should have. But even with the strongest of personality types, bad days can happen. And the thought of whether or not a career in social care is for you wanders into your mind. Well, thanks to numerous case studies, I have identified 4 tips to help you manage the tough times you'll encounter whilst being a social care worker. And I have listed them below:

1. Be Flexible

There will be times when you have set out a plan for your day. But, as people in social care will tell you, your day will never go as planned. If you're caring for an elderly patient with severe health care needs, then chances are you may face an emergency situation that will require your immediate attention. Therefore it is crucial that you remain flexible. And avoid making any concrete plans. Each working day, as a social care worker, will be different. You will not know what to expect. It is crucial that you embrace this mindset when you're working as a social care worker. It will allow you to face up to unexpected scenarios more easier. And more effectively.

2. Accept That Not Everyone Will Get Along With You

When you're working in health and social care, you will be working with a variety of individuals from different backgrounds and beliefs. That means, you will come across people who will get along with you, and those who won't. This is a fact that you would need to accept. It is frustrating to work with someone who refuses to co-operate. But despite this, it is still your duty to carry out your role in a professional manner. After all, it is your job to help your patients feel as comfortable as possible. If your patient says something you don't agree with, simply listen but don't respond. If the patient still continues to make you feel uncomfortable, then you can be assertive and politely explain that you will not engage in such conversation and you're there to help. If the problem does persist, then you can report to someone senior. But you can only do that once you have finished your shift because most social care workers work on their own. And that brings me to my next tip.

3. Know That You Will Not Be Able To Solve Everyone's Problems

This is not too say that you should try and solve everyone's problems. But you have to bare in mind that as a social care worker, you will come across patients with different care needs. Some of your patients will have mental health needs and will suffer with either depression, learning difficulties or anxiety. Other patients will be elderly and have suffered from prolonged periods of isolation — they could either be grateful for your presence, or they may hold a grudge. The one thing that you have to remember is that you can't solve everyone's problem. As a social care worker, it is your duty to ensure your patients are well looked after and to the best of your ability.

4. Look After Yourself

When you're caring for someone, it is very easy for you to put yourself in a position when you're always putting their needs before yours. And sooner or later, you'll turn this into a habit. And then you'll realise that your needs are never met. So make sure you take the time to look after yourself. Make time to relax or go to the gym. And eat a well-balance diet. It is these little things that will make the difference and will allow you to give the best care possible.

How The Learning Station Can Help You?

If you're interested in a career in social care work, then The Learning Station can help you. As an accredited learning provider, we have helped many individuals gain their health and social care qualifications. All of our courses are online distant learning, meaning you can learn at your own pace and in your own time. And help is only a click away. Please visit our health and social care courses page for more information. Thanks for reading. Are you a social care worker? Do you have any other tips that you would like to share? Please let us know in the comments section below. Featured image: Pixabay
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