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Building Empathy – Care through Understanding

Writer's picture: Jason CarderJason Carder

In the heart of every care home lies a profound commitment to provide compassionate care to those who need it most. For care home staff from other countries, this commitment takes on an added dimension and becomes essential not only to understand the clinical and routine aspects of care but also to deeply empathise with the experiences of residents. Experiential training plays a pivotal role in bridging this gap, promoting empathy and deepening understanding among carers.

 

My experiences of teaching care professional students in Delhi have highlighted the importance of demonstrating to those I teach that this is more than just a job. While the nursing staff I have taught possess excellent clinical knowledge, there are noticeable areas for growth when it comes to fostering true empathy.

 

I firmly believe that true empathy comes from having experienced what another person has gone through. While I may have plenty of sympathy and compassion, and can make an effort to relate, to me, genuine empathy is something deeper - something that can only come from truly understanding another’s lived experience.

 

I consider myself very fortunate when teaching students because I’ve been in their shoes. I once thought I was excellent, the best carer out there but it’s only when someone bursts your bubble that you truly realise your potential and open yourself up to growth.

 

This is the part I love teaching students. Caring is not about us, it’s about the people we care for.  Having a million qualifications doesn't automatically make someone great at caring for others. We all have to genuinely care – that’s what truly matters.

 

Visual and Auditory Impairment

 

Understanding the daily challenges faced by residents begins with seeing the world through their eyes.  One effective method we use at Indago Development is to simulate visual impairment which involves covering glasses with a thin layer of Vaseline. This simple yet powerful exercise allows carers to experience the blurred vision that many elderly residents contend with. The frustration of navigating familiar surroundings with diminished clarity underscores the importance of patience and attentiveness in caregiving.

 

Similarly, auditory impairment can be simulated using earplugs. This exercise immerses carers in a world of muffled sounds and limited auditory cues. The difficulty in understanding conversations, responding to alarms, or engaging in social interactions highlights the need for clear communication and sensitivity to the struggles of residents with hearing impairments.

 

For example, when you eat something with blocked ears, all you can hear is your own chewing, which brings me nicely on to supporting residents during mealtimes.

 

The Mealtime Experience

 

This is a fundamental aspect of care, yet it encompasses more than just the act of providing nourishment. Experiencing the difference between being “fed” quickly and slowly can be revelatory for carers. When fed quickly, carers can feel the discomfort and anxiety that often accompanies rushed meals. The inability to savour food or communicate preferences is very evident.

 

Alternatively, being fed slowly allows carers to appreciate the dignity and comfort that comes with attentive feeding. They experience the rhythm of unhurried care, where each bite is an opportunity for connection and respect. This contrast emphasises the importance of personalised care, where the pace is dictated by the resident's needs rather than a rigid schedule. Time is precious and it’s about making precious use of time.


For care home staff coming from different cultural backgrounds, experiential training also serves as a bridge to understanding cultural nuances in providing care.  By participating in these exercises, carers gain insights into the unique needs and expectations of residents from diverse backgrounds. This cultural competency enriches the carer experience, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.

 

Experiential Training

 

Experiential training is more than just a tool; it is a transformative journey that empowers care home staff to provide empathetic, patient, and personalised care. By temporarily stepping into the shoes of residents, carers develop a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional challenges they face. This empathy enhances the quality of care, ensuring that every resident is treated with dignity and compassion.

 

True care begins with understanding, and understanding begins with experience.


Please visit Indago Development's New-Entrant to the UK for a full programme overview, or Our Courses for the range of social care programmes delivered within the UK.

 

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