Our old friend, Merriam-Webster says that Empower is to promote the self-actualization or influence of or to enable. An example: the women's movement has been inspiring and empowering women.
What makes the challenge so difficult when we talk about empowering our caregivers, especially those who are serving persons living with dementia? This is where it gets fuzzy, right? We have massive numbers of persons living dementia and not enough caregivers to go around, so those that are doing so by and large are stretched - to the max. And like all professions, when demand outweighs supply, people look for other jobs if they are not satisfied. Thus the reason for a very high level of turnover among caregivers, especially those who care for persons with dementia.
Certainly, there are other factors that are equally as important such as pay, benefits and the stress that comes with caring for another person with cognitive decline.
Why then, are some providers able to outperform others when it comes to staff turnover, more satisfied employees AND happier residents, clients or patients? They are as vulnerable as anyone else is to staffing shortages, wage and benefit offerings and the job itself is just as challenging no matter where one works. Right?
Maybe that's not always true. My discussions consistently come down to the winners in this game invest in their caregivers. They invest their resources, time and attention in Empowering their Caregivers. The winners stand out with simple but strongly held core beliefs: that caregivers MUST be:
It's funny, that when someone is educated or trained to do their job well, they then have the tools available. If they are listened to, they feel a part of the team, and low and behold, when they are rewarded, they feel like what they do everyday matters.
And what our caregivers do every day DOES matter - it matters to your resident, to their families, to the culture of your business and ultimately it matters in how others view who you are as a provider of services.
Let's not underestimate the power of empowering your caregivers.
Pam Brandon is President/Founder of AGE-u-cate Training Institute and the creator of the Dementia Live® Sensitivity Awareness Training Program. She is a passionate advocate for older adults and those who serve them.