Articles

Maintaining your Clients Dignity

19/09/2016

Being a carer means that the person you are caring for can no longer take care of themselves. This degree of need will of course vary with each individual client, but basically you are there because they cannot do things for themselves any longer.

No one likes to be in the position where they are unable to dress themselves, or worse – clean themselves. It is vitally important that carers are aware of how this situation can affect a person. Imagine yourself in a situation where you cannot wash yourself and someone has to take care of your personal cleanliness and bathing, even spoon feeding you. This is not a situation that any person would want to be in. It is not only embarrassing but can be degrading to have someone else help you to the toilet.

Dignity is the name of the game here – maintaining your client's dignity as much as you can. Your client still needs to feel that they have self worth and even though they are not able to do much, they are still important.

It is never a good idea – and should not be done – to mock a person because of things they can't do or how they look. Remember when you are cleaning a set of false teeth that one day someone might be doing that for you! Your client did not intentionally soil herself and is probably mortally embarrassed by the fact that you have to clean up so never try to make them feel guilty about this. Accidents happen – clean up and move on.

Never, ever talk about any 'accident' to someone else! Your client does not need to be reminded that they needed help and they should never be made to feel bad about this. A point to remember here is that your face really is an open book in which your client will see your response to situations like this. Learn to wear a poker face! Better still, learn to smile and then reassure your client that all is well. Accidents do happen and they are not a problem. This is the reason washing machines were invented!

When dressing a client of the opposite sex, be especially tactful and keep your eyes averted. They know their bodies are not perfect any longer and really do not need to be embarrassed by someone staring at them. Try to have all clothing ready before you start so that you don't have to leave them undressed longer than necessary. Some large towels are always handy to have at the ready after a shower. During a bed bath cover one side while you wash the other. This - along with maintaining a little dignity - also keeps your client warm. A little forward planning will not go amiss here.

Each client will let you know in their own way just how comfortable or uncomfortable they are with their personal care and you as carer should pay attention to this. It will make for a more pleasant stay for both you and your client.