Articles

Seven Things a Carer Should Never Do

21/12/2016

Care work – whether it is live in or daily care, the job is extremely difficult, although it is also rewarding. Carers will make an impact on the client they take care of, and also on any family members that you come into contact with. However, with this job there also comes responsibility. There are things which are acceptable for a carer to do and there are others which are not acceptable, for one reason or another.

1. Don’t steal. Be very careful if you have to handle any money from your client. Make sure you document every transaction regarding money. Make sure you count your change. Get receipts for everything that you buy for your client. If you have a grocery allowance, make sure you keep it separate from your own money, preferably in another purse. When you leave, have the housekeeping counted by a family member, or someone reliable, so that the incoming carer can never dispute what you have left for them. Remember that older people often are suspicious of people who come into the house and are quick to accuse the carer.

2. Don’t live on your phone: mobile phones have a time and a place, but in your hand all day is not one of them. Keep your phone calls private, and not in front of your clients or their families. Keep them quick and quiet. The family does not want or need to know that you and your other half are having a tiff! Keep your private life to yourself and phone calls in your own room, not in front of your client. This will mean that you will be able to focus on the client and the safety involved in taking care of them.

3. Don’t work without a contract: Most agencies will have a contract of some sorts. You can also print them off from many online sites. In your contract, you should have a clear description of what you are required to do. This is a good idea in instances where your client or maybe family member adds to your workload the weekly car wash or window wash. Most things that will be requested of you will be acceptable, but there are unfortunately some people who will take advantage of your goodwill. If you have a contract, you will be able to refer to it and graciously decline – unless you are offered to be paid for extra services and wish to accept.

4. Don’t keep your client in the dark: It is very easy to talk over a person when you think they do not hear or comprehend you. It is also a mistake as many people - while they may not be able to talk – can still hear and understand to a point. Even if it seems that your client cannot hear you, you should still give them a choice in simple things such as ‘red jersey or green jersey.’ Don’t rush them, take your time and be patient and respect their decision. Also, don’t assume that your client wants chicken for lunch, they may fancy sausages. Give them the chance to interact with you.

5. Never embarrass your client: accidents will happen. Even in the best run household someone will spill a drink or have a toileting accident. Never try to shame your client into not repeating the accident. Growing old and having a carer is often humiliating enough, without adding any mishaps into the equation. The best way is to either ignore a spill and wipe it up later, or try to make light of the situation. Something along the lines of ‘I do that all the time’ after a spill will make the situation so much easier for them. Never make them feel that they have done something wrong.

6. Don’t be stubborn: listen and be prepared to learn from your client. They are the ones who are in the situation and know more about it than you do. Be prepared to change and do things their way, not your way. Get to know your client and what they like and dislike, and be prepared to adapt. This way you will build up a good relationship with them.

7. Don’t cross your own line: it is important that you know what your client expects from you. It is also important that you know what to expect from yourself. Know what you can and cannot do. Take into account that caring is very hard work. Some things you will be able to do and others you may not. There is nothing wrong with this. If you cannot hoist without aggravating a sore knee or back, then tell your agency and take another assignment. Don’t agree to do one thing to take a placement, and then refuse to do it when you arrive.

Caring is an extremely hard job at the best of times and it is a wise carer who strives to be a blessing and not a further burden to the situation. Stay positive and respect your client and their family, but also respect yourself and your own work ethics.