09/19/2016
It is very important when you go to live with any client that you are aware of how much information you are now privy to. You will have access to all private details about your client and perhaps even to their financial records. Certainly you will be in the know about all the medical information which even a doctor will not pass on to just anyone.
A live in carer is bound by the Data Protection Act 1998 which relates to the personal information you now have access to. This piece of legislation governs the protection of personal data in the UK. This is something you should be familiar with. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/29/contents
The reality of this law is that you as a carer are to keep things about your client private. You will find yourself in many a situation where you will need to think before you speak. Simple things like the next door neighbour asking you how Mrs Smith's ulcer is doing, and does she have another the results of her tests yet are examples of what you should not be sharing. These are things that are not public information. The doctor would not share them with you unless he were authorised to talk to the carer and likewise you should not be talking about your client's situation either.
It is very easy to get into a habit of replying in detail to people who question you, but you should bear this law in mind. A better way to answer them is to be a bit on the vague side when imparting information. You should never give out any personal information such as family details or phone numbers. While most people are genuinely concerned for the welfare of your client, unless the family has agreed that they are 'in the loop', then you should consider them to not be privy to all information.
Personal details should never be left lying around the house and this includes the daily log book that you might keep. These are your records and also opinions. The cleaning lady does not need to know what you write down in your daily report! Neither does the gardener need to know the results of any tests! These things are confidential and you would be wise to keep them out of site. Curiosity will lead many people to do strange things and you do not want to find things being quoted from your notes!
Also important to note here is that not all family members might be included in the circle of who to share information with. Don't be tempted on your first day to share all you know with everyone. Keep things to yourself until you are sure you can include every single family member in your client's financial affairs!
It is a good idea on your arrival to check and find out just who should have access to anything. The best person to ask is the POA (Power of Attorney). This is normally a family member and they will be able to tell you who you can talk to if you need to.
