When we talk about respect in the workplace, we probably think to the traditional definition “a deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements”. However, when we are discussing in home care or healthcare providers, the secondary meaning is much more important. “Due regard for feelings, wishes, rights, and traditions of others”. When entering someone’s home this respect takes on another level of importance. I would hope that most healthcare providers are drawn to their profession because they place high value in human life and health, and genuinely care about others.
What is respect and what does it look like in the home care setting?
When providing this care, respect should be regarded in all the following areas; confidentiality, privacy, consent, culture, religion, personal boundaries, and communication. This is best given through many questions and follow up. It also takes meaning as someone may have specific wishes on how they are cared for and different levels of confidentiality. A large consideration is respecting client’s boundaries and decisions, even when it conflicts with your own recommendations.
Home care is often avoided by many for fear that it will reduce independence, cross personal boundaries, or expose needs that one may want left unmet. Mainly, that there is a greater chance of not being respected once you allow someone in your home to care for you. One will find the opposite when they are provided with the highest level of care. Care providers should be asking many questions to ensure a client is being respected and boundaries are being met.
What respect sounds like:
- Do you like being accompanied inside your appointments or do you prefer just a driver there?
- Would you like me to answer the phone for you or let it go to voicemail if you are unavailable?
- How can I shampoo your hair how YOU like it?
- What kinds of questions should I answer if your family asks me anything about your mobility/medical appt. etc.? Or should I politely let them know to ask you?
- This is how I would help transfer you to your chair, would that work for you? Do you prefer a different way?
CLIENT: My mother keeps leaving the burners on when she cooks and I am worried about her cutting herself. She needs someone to cook for her now.”
CARE AIDE: If your mother enjoys cooking, why don’t we get someone in who can clean and tidy up around the kitchen while your mother cooks? They can put on her favorite music, keeping an eye on safety without interrupting her regular routines.”
CLIENT: I am very unsteady in the shower, but I do not want someone with me during my private activities.”
CARE AIDE: Could we have someone help you in and out of the shower at key points of safety and give you privacy when you are seated and showering? We can also adapt to your wishes for what and how you would like assistance.”
CLIENT: My mother is a devout Christian/Buddhist/etc. and I only want someone in her home that has the same culture/religion
CARE AIDE: Those are very important considerations that can connect and put a senior at ease with a care provider. I will try and match someone she is comfortable with. Would she be comfortable with someone that would put on her religious music, make sure she could attend church and respect her home activities, even if they have a different religious or cultural background? Most care providers know how important culture and religion is to each individual and want to facilitate their practices”
If you have someone currently in your home for care, or thinking about hiring someone, I urge you to consider the following:
- You should never feel hesitant or worried about communicating your wishes and requests.
- You should leave a small cushion for a care aide to get to know you and how you want things done, but after that they should be respectful and carry out the tasks appropriately.
- If you look towards the time that your care aide comes with negative feelings, it is probably time to try someone new. It does not necessarily mean that you will not like in-home care altogether, but that the person is not a good fit or respectful enough in your home.
You deserve to feel confident and safe in the hands of your care aide. And that starts with the highest level of respect from them as they enter your home. If you have questions or wish to talk about this subject with me, you can reach out anytime. If you have concerns about boundaries, respect, or your care and you are not a client of mine, you can still reach out anytime. I would love to speak with you about advocating for what you deserve.
