Published on 24th November 2025
As we celebrate Empathy Action Month, taking place this November, it is a brilliant opportunity to consider how important empathy is within the care industry and why it is a value that impacts everything we do. At Beritaz Care, empathy is at the heart of our service and the key quality we look for in all our staff members.
At its core, empathy is about understanding the feelings of others, and in our homes, this means recognising what our residents are feeling and responding with kindness and compassion. Within our homes, particularly when they first arrive, we see residents experiencing anxiety, loneliness, frustration, and sometimes fear. But there is also a huge amount of joy, comfort, and security, a sense of warmth and belonging as they become a part of the home community.
Our care staff are there to support residents through these emotions, which can impact them at different times and through different experiences. Our team members listen and give their support, showing empathy and understanding through both good times and bad.
An important part of our job is building trust and bonds with the residents. Offering a friendly listening ear whenever they need it helps our residents to know we care and are there to talk no matter what they are feeling. Our staff take the time to get to know each resident and their personality, so they can pick up on the small clues in their behaviour that might mean they need a bit of extra support, or simply a chat. We will encourage residents to spend time doing their favourite hobbies or take part in group activities they particularly enjoy. Sometimes, it can be as simple as bringing them a cup of tea with their favourite biscuit to brighten their afternoon.
We find ways to help our staff build their empathy skills through activities and training that help them to understand the experience of residents in our homes. Our team members have taken part in activities where they can walk in the shoes of our residents, including simulating the experiences of those suffering with dementia. These exercises help our staff to identify things that may cause our residents to feel unhappy or frustrated, and how they can respond in a helpful and understanding way.
Our services are built on a philosophy of person-centred care, and the care plans we develop are tailored specifically to each individual. The care plans take into account not only the resident’s physical and medical needs, but also their background, their preferences, and the little things that are important to them, like being an avid gardener, a talented painter, or an animal lover. We work closely with residents’ family members to be sure we have a good understanding of their needs and their personalities. All these factors come together to support our holistic approach to care, ensuring we are supporting our residents’ emotional needs as well as physical needs.
Empathy is a practice that defines the care provided in any Beritaz Care Home. We truly care about each and every one of our residents; we want to improve their happiness and enrich their lives, that is what care means to us. Small acts of empathy can make a big impact, so join us in celebrating kindness and compassion, this month and all year round.
