The modern world of senior care is evolving, opening its doors to more and more diverse caregivers. Men, traditionally less often seen in this role, are now becoming a valuable part of the profession. They bring a unique dynamism and a fresh perspective to the homes of the people in their care. If you are a man and you are considering working as a caregiver for the elderly, whether it is with a live-in relationship, you have come to the right place. Discover the advantages, the challenges, and the satisfaction of fulfilling this unique role in the world of aged care.
What are the advantages of caregivers for the elderly?
A man doing the work of a caregiver brings unique benefits to the care environment. Here are a few of them:
Physical Strength
Some tasks in senior care require more physical strength. It is primarily about lifting or moving the charges. If the senior is light and cooperative, it is easier to carry him. In situations where the person in care is uncooperative or heavier, keeping them safe becomes a challenge. At such times, a person with considerable physical strength, as most men possess, is invaluable. Of course, this does not exclude women from this scope of duties, but men, thanks to their natural constitution and physical strength, often cope with these tasks better.
A different perspective from a senior’s point of view
Let’s assume that a senior, regardless of gender, has been using caregivers for some time. Until now, only women have appeared in this position. Introducing a man to this environment can have a revolutionary effect on the well-being of the charge. A man offers a different perspective and approach to care. Diversity in interactions is key to enriching a senior’s experience, and a man’s presence can provide different, often positive, dynamics.
Society
For many older men, having a male caregiver can be especially comfortable. Caring for men requires slightly different activities than what women need. Shared interests, such as fishing, DIY, cars, or sports, can create the groundwork for deeper conversations and shared activities. Men often share many common passions and experiences, which can make their presence, as a caregiver, more intimate and relaxing. A shared understanding between the caregiver and the resident is invaluable, as it has a positive impact on the health and activity of the senior.
A life story of a successful cooperation between a male caregiver and a senior citizen
To show the value that men caring for the elderly bring to the lives of seniors, we would like to present a short story that we had the opportunity to hear during one of the meetings at the Elderly Caregivers Agency. It is a heart-wrenching story, which is why we decided to tell it. Here is a brief description of a situation that took place in one of the homes where a man worked as a caregiver for the elderly in Germany.
This extraordinary story began in the heart of Germany, in a cozy apartment among city buildings. This is a case that shows that interpersonal relationships can be more complicated than it might seem. Hans, an older German with a penetrating eye and strong traditions, was reluctant to introduce Piotr, a young Pole who was supposed to be his caregiver, into his world.
Hans and Peter had distinct personalities. The former was accustomed to his own rhythm of life, while the latter wanted to perform his duties well. It was difficult for Peter to adapt to the new situation and establish a deeper relationship with Hans, because he did not know how to break through the wall that the old man had put in front of him. There was tension in the air as the two tried to adjust to the new situation, but to no avail.
The tense atmosphere lasted for several weeks. One evening there was a match between Poland and Germany. It’s an emotional event, both on and off the pitch. Hans, with a slight smile, invited Peter to watch with him. Piotr decided to take up the gauntlet, and so they both sat in front of the screen, cheering for their national teams.
To the surprise of both men, this sporting clash turned into moments full of understanding and mutual kindness. Despite their cultural differences, the men discovered common passions and interests. Laughter, emotion, and playful banter all brought them together during an evening that changed their relationship for good.
By the time the match was over, the atmosphere in the apartment was completely different. Instead of shy glances, the men exchanged stories about their countries, passions and interests. They have discovered not only die-hard fans, but also people who crave understanding and closeness.
From that moment on, their bond became deeply rooted. They both broke down the barriers of nationality and tradition, discovering true friends in each other. They showed that sport and shared passions can be a bridge between people, regardless of their roots.
Empathy
The responsibilities of a senior caregiver are not limited to direct assistance. The duties of a senior caregiver also include supporting them in everyday emotional difficulties and providing them with a sense of security and closeness. Help for an elderly person in overcoming difficult moments is therefore extremely important and necessary in the profession of a caregiver for the elderly.
Who says men aren’t empathetic? Many of them have deep empathy and the ability to make strong emotional connections. This feature is extremely important in contact with the elderly, who need understanding, support and the presence of another person.
Ability to cope with a crisis
In crisis situations, it is important to keep a cool head and be able to make decisions quickly. Many men are characterized by calmness and organization in difficult times, which is invaluable in the event of medical emergencies or other unexpected situations.
Common Interests
Shared passions and interests are the foundation for building relationships. Many older men are eager to share memories related to sports, history, or hobbies, and a man acting as a caregiver may be better suited to these narratives.
Understanding Your Specific Needs
Men may have the ability to intuitively recognize the specific needs and problems of older men, especially when it comes to health issues related to male physiology or life experience.
Support for families
In many cultures, a man as a caregiver is welcome. This can bring relief to the family, giving them the assurance that their loved one is being cared for by someone who is able to meet a variety of challenges, both physically and emotionally.
Taking care of the house and keeping it tidy
Taking care of the senior’s living space affects their comfort and safety. Many men can easily handle the responsibilities of taking care of the house, ranging from cleaning to minor repair work. Such abilities and the lack of a barrier to performing this type of tasks additionally increase the quality of care for seniors. Below is an example of the duties that a caregiver for an elderly person can perform. Of course, all these obligations must be included in the contract. If this is not the case, the caregiver has the option to refuse to undertake these tasks.
Organize:
- Vacuuming floors and carpets.
- Floor cleaning.
- Wiping dust from furniture, shelves and appliances.
- Regular washing and change of bed linen.
- Tidy up closets and other storage areas.
Cleaning:
- Washing dishes and keeping the kitchen clean.
- Cleaning the bathroom, including the toilet, bathtub, shower, and sink.
- Garbage disposal and waste segregation.
- Window cleaning.
- Cleaning kitchen surfaces such as countertops and stove.
Maintenance & Repairs:
- Checking and replacing bulbs.
- Repairing damaged furniture or appliances.
- Maintenance of tools and equipment.
- Periodic inspection of electrical, plumbing and heating systems.
- Keeping the roof, gutters and exterior walls in good condition.
Plant and garden care (if any):
- Watering plants.
- Pruning trees and shrubs.
- Grass mowing.
- Keeping the terrace or balcony clean.
Ensuring Safety:
- Regularly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Today’s senior care industry often requires knowledge of a foreign language
- Closing doors and windows at night and when you are not at home.
- Monitoring of alarm systems.
Minor repairs
Men in the care industry are also valued for their manual skills, such as the ability to perform minor repair jobs. In a situation where you need to tighten a handle or adjust a window, a male caregiver can easily cope with this task. Although, of course, the senior’s family cannot require activities that are not included in the contract, joint manual work can contribute to building trust and a solid relationship. The caregiver’s knowledge and skills in the field of housework are certainly an asset in this important profession.
Foreign Language Skills – German
The senior care industry often requires knowledge of a foreign language. It is therefore logical that working in care in Germany mainly requires knowledge of the German language. Many men are familiar with this language. Why? Well, many men between the ages of 40 and 60 are fluent in the language of our western neighbors, because they have spent a lot of time working in Germany or other Western countries in the last 30 years. Their profession was often associated with the construction or logistics industries, disciplines that required a high level of physical fitness. Currently, we observe that a large number of them have enthusiastically switched to work in senior care.
Many men who have worked hard for years in the construction or transport sector have come to appreciate the benefits of care work over time. Lack of commuting, working at home, where the greatest effort can only be to help the patient transfer to the bathtub, are some of the many advantages of this profession. Compared to the hard work on a construction site, the difference is colossal. In addition, in most cases, accommodation is provided, which significantly increases the comfort of living. Half-jokingly, half-seriously, let’s add – the fridge, always full of delicacies, is just a few steps away from the workplace, which is an undeniable plus for many!
Knowledge of the German language, gained over the years of working in other industries, is therefore an invaluable asset in working in senior care. With this ability, gentlemen have access to various job offers as a caregiver in Germany.
Shopping & Cooking
Men’s work in senior care is not only about making emotional connections, but also about doing daily household chores. Shopping is an essential part of this routine. Often, the caregiver is responsible for the purchase of groceries, adapting to the senior’s culinary preferences and possible dietary recommendations. Replenishing the supply of cleaning products or buying the necessary tools or equipment to maintain the house is also part of the responsibilities. It is important to know how far away the shops are and whether the caregiver has the opportunity to travel to them by car.
A person taking up a job as a caregiver should be aware that cooking is another key aspect. Serving meals, adapting food to the needs and taste of the senior, and taking care of their health needs are the daily duties of a caregiver.
Taking care of pets (if any)
For many people, pets are important companions, so caregivers must also take care of them. This includes feeding the animal according to its needs, taking it for walks (in the case of dogs) or cleaning the cage or aquarium.Regular visits to the veterinarian are equally important to ensure your pet’s health and well-being. When choosing a job offer, the caregiver as well as the caregiver agency for the elderly should take into account the possible allergies of the caregiver to animals to ensure comfort for both the caregiver and the person in charge. Sharing space and the presence of a four-legged friend can be an additional source of joy at work for many caregivers.
A man as a caregiver for the elderly
When considering whether working for men as a caregiver for seniors is for us, it is worth considering a few key issues.What to look for when choosing a position? First of all, make sure that the elderly caregiver agency has adequately analyzed the family’s requirements and is able to provide the best working conditions for the caregiver. Choosing the right person to help a particular senior cannot only take into account the skills of the caregiver, but above all the possibility of developing mutual trust and comfort.
The best caregiver agencies make sure you get the right position, so it’s worth considering working with one of them. We encourage you to visit the Hrily Jobs platform, where you will find current job offers in senior care. Legal work is a priority for the company, which is why only proven and attractive job offers for caregivers are posted on the website. Check out the jobs for men in the care industry and start working in elderly care.
The work of a senior caregiver requires support for seniors in hygiene, especially in such a delicate issue as intimate hygiene. In this regard, there must be full consent and trust on the part of the mentee. Both the senior and the senior must agree to the man’s help in this regard. It’s also a good idea to clarify any doubts and set boundaries before you start working.
Working with a male caregiver can be beneficial for seniors, but it requires the right attitude and empathy. That’s why it’s so important to dig deeply into the family’s requirements and make sure that both the caregiver and the resident are comfortable in each other’s presence before making a decision.