Articles

Keeping on the Right Side of your Client and Family

15/09/2016

Families can be complicated at the best of times – as we all know – with every member being different in how they think and what they like. Everyone is settled into their own routine and they all have very definite ideas of how things should be run.

Now let's confuse the situation by adding a carer to that already fragile equation! Not only someone who stops by once a day, but a live in carer! Someone who moves in, takes over the general running of the house and pretty much takes over caring for mum or dad. Added to this, the carer needs some money from them to do shopping  and also a weekly pay check. All of this has the very real possibility of going wrong and turning into an uncomfortable situation for all.

Little wonder then that when a live in carer arrives there could be a certain amount of apprehension on everyone's part! Will mum or dad even like you? Will you like them? Will this really work out for both sides?

The most important thing in these situations is to just be yourself. Remember that your company has matched you up with a client that they think would suit you. They seldom place you somewhere  where you can't manage. You should approach your new client with confidence and a smile!

Try not to intrude. You should remember that this is not your home, it belongs to someone else. You are in fact a guest and for that reason don't spread your belongings all over their space. Keep all your bits and pieces in your allotted space. When you clear up at the end of the evening, take all your knitting with you so that their area is clear. When anyone walks into a room (other than your bedroom), they should not see your books and knitting and laptop. Without actually seeing you, they should not even know you are there.

Don't rearrange the house! It isn't yours to change, and sometimes your client needs to feel their way around and would prefer not to fall over a table you have moved. They might like all the family photos on the window ledge while you think they gather dust. Leave them alone, they are a comfort where they can be seen.

Always ask. Don't assume. Ask your client if they would like tea or coffee, cereal or porridge, chicken or fish. Try to give them as much say in the running of their home as possible and involve them where you can. Sometimes this is not possible but they should never feel isolated in their own home.

Talk to Family. Listen to their concerns as they will have many worries and you are the person who has first hand knowledge of the situation now. Share daily events with them and keep them involved. They need to know that not only are you taking care of mum or dad, but you are also 'keeping them in the loop'. They are not excluded.

It is very important that although you will be running the house for most of your time there, your client also feels they has not been relegated to a back seat in their own home.