A home health care provider is totally in charge of the well-being of their client. His/her duties include assisting the client in their day-to-day activities like bathing, dressing and keeping a check on their vitals. In addition, the home health care provider is someone on whom the client and his family members rely on completely. He/she assists the patient to live with dignity and independence despite the disability and chronic illness. The job is very rewarding but is quite demanding too. Below we discuss the do’s and don’ts of this job so that the caregiver can give his/her best to the client and build a relationship of trust.
Do’s for Home Health Care providers
Keep a plan ready
Make a written plan of how the client will be taken care of. It is important to make the client and a family member part of the plan. The plan should lay down clearly what your responsibilities are, privacy policy and the code of work ethics. One copy of the plan should be handed over to the client. This way there will be no confusion later.
Changes in the client’s health status must be reported
As a health care provider, you are aware of your client’s health condition and symptoms that are normal. With time, there may be other symptoms that you may observe but understand them to be within a normal range. But if there is something, which is even slightly alarming, it should be reported immediately to the client’s medical provider and your agency.
Always ask when in doubt about your patient’s needs
You will be briefed about the medical condition of your patient when you start work. In addition, you will be made aware of his/her preferences and needs as regards recreation and other daily activities. As you carry on your duties you may find that you need some more information or clarity about certain things in relation to your client’s well-being. Do not hesitate to ask either your client or his/her family members or the healthcare provider.
Strictly adhere to the client’s care plan
It is very important to follow the client’s care plan very strictly with regard to giving medication, checking vitals and helping in daily activities. Normally, you will be informed about the care plan beforehand. But, as you move along and if any doubts come up, it is better to ask the right person so that the client gets the best care.
Always be punctual and keep a record of your time
It is very important to be consistent to be able to build your client’s trust and confidence in you. Thus, always be punctual and consistent at work. Your client is dependent on you for bathing, dressing and meals. If you are late their schedule gets disrupted and in turn causes distress to them.
Don’ts for home health care providers
Never treat clients roughly
Treating clients unprofessionally or roughly is totally unacceptable under any circumstances. Sometimes it becomes necessary to be firm with the clients, if they are not ready to follow what is important for their well-being. But make sure that you are gentle and kind to them and show compassion.
Do not smoke in the client’s home
Never smoke in a client’s premises. If you want to smoke, do so only during your allotted breaks, and that too outside the client’s home.
Do not neglect self-care
Long work hours and heavy workload may lead to neglect of the self. But it is important to stay healthy in order to be able to take care of the patient. So eat healthy meals cooked at home and exercise regularly. Neglecting your health will be the biggest mistake you will make in your line of work.
Don’t overlook advice
Normally you should follow your instinct, but do not stop learning from others. People from the industry may have a lot of experience and wisdom to share. Listen to them and see if you can use that wisdom in your work. Never keep a closed mind and be willing to learn from others strength and experience.
Borrowing or accepting money from the client or family members is totally not acceptable
Only your agency should be handling financial transactions with the client. This can involve matters related to client’s insurance, dealing with Medicare or healthcare provider. So direct money transaction with the client or family member should be refrained from to save you from complications. Under any circumstances, money should not be borrowed from the client. This is considered unprofessional and leads to bad reputation for your agency.
To conclude home care entrepreneurs must look for insurance companies and take home care insurance. Decision must be taken in advance about services to be provided before marketing the agency. Employee background should be thoroughly checked and training should be provided and close supervision of new employees is important.
