learning Outcomes
After completing this module you will be able to:
Define the roles and responsibilities of a carer.
Describe the various legal issues that carers must be familiar with when they work with clients.
Develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively with all members of the care service team.
Develop an understanding of how to communicate with individuals with various disabilities.
Discuss the correct etiquette when working with a wheelchair-bound client.
A carer is a person who provides assistance or support with daily activities.
This can include: bathing and grooming, housekeeping, help with meals, and encouragement of
behaviors that enhances community involvement.
Training and Standards
TRAINING & ORIENTATION
All carers need training that helps them to do their job well. This also means being safe and effective and
keeping the client safe. If you work for an agency, your employer may provide the training.
When a carer is hired by an agency, he or she will attend the agency’s orientation. This is required even
if the carer has completed a college course. The orientation to the agency is much more specific to the
particular organization. It includes policies, paperwork requirements, the agency’s history, job
expectations, etc.
Training and Standards
TRAINING & ORIENTATION
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
In addition to training, a carer needs high professional standards. Your behavior also affects your
relationship with the client. The carer and the client need respect for each other and a professional
relationship.
The persons for whom you provide services must be able to rely on you. Your services help to keep
people safe and independent.
Principles of Care
PRINCIPLES ONE
There are basic principles - beliefs, that all people have rights, abilities and freedom of choice. The carer
needs to be aware of these principles and ensure to keep them in mind when assisting clients. Such
principles include the following:
INDEPENDENCE: Each person has the freedom to direct one’s own life and be able to do things for
oneself when possible. Each person can choose what to do and when to do it; carers should not dictate
to clients what to do.
DIGNITY: Each person is an individual. Each person needs respect and privacy and should be treated
respectfully. When people need assistance, they still need to feel they are valued and in control of their
own lives, as much as possible.
PRINCIPLES TWO
CLIENT-DIRECTED: When possible, the client tells the caregivers what to do, when and how. This means
that the person or a representative on their behalf, interviews, hires, trains, and supervises the carer.
PERSON-CENTRED: Assistance and support is given when and how the person needs it. Examples: a
person from another culture may prefer certain foods; some people may want more or less of a certain
treatment.
Care of the Elderly
WORKING WITH OLDER ADULTS
As people get older, they tend to slow down more. Unfortunately, younger
people sometimes show disrespect or simply become impatient.
Ageism or age discrimination is all too common in society. Many products or
movies are about and for younger people. We are always in a hurry and
some see older adults as being too slow or in the way.
If you work with older adults, it is important to be aware of the appropriate
mindset. See the list of principles that you should keep in mind when
working with the elderly.
PRINCIPLES
Below are a list of principles to keep in mind when working with the elderly:
- Older adults can do a lot and learn new things. Like all people, they feel better when
they can do things for themselves.
- Older people have experience and wisdom. They may not know everything you know,
but they know a lot.
- Always treat an older adult as an adult. Adults are not like children.
- Older people have interests, likes and dislikes. They too want to make their own
choices.
The Treatment of People with Disabilities
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
The treatment of people with disabilities has varied greatly throughout
history. Examine each of the years listed below, to discover how individuals
with disabilities have been treated over time.
Legal Issues for Carers
LEGAL TERMS A.
It's important that carers are familiar with the legal issues that they could
encounter during their work. Listed below are the most important legal terms
in this regard:
ABANDONMENT: is when a family or agency leaves an individual without
care or support.
FALSE IMPRISONMENT: takes place when you intentionally restrict an
individual’s freedom to leave a space.
LIABILITY: refers to the degree to which you or your employer will be held
financially responsible for damages resulting from your negligence.
ASSAULT: takes place when an individual intentionally attempts or
threatens to touch another individual, in a harmful or offensive manner
without their consent.
LEGAL TERMS B.
MALPRACTICE: is a failure to use reasonable judgment when applying your
professional knowledge.
BATTERY: takes place when an individual harmfully or offensively touches another
individual without their consent.
INVASION OF PRIVACY: is revealing personal or private information without an
individual’s consent.
NEGLIGENCE: is when a personal injury or property damage is caused by your act or
your failure to act, when you have a duty to act.
Professional Standards
LAW & ETHICS
Carers need to understand the distinction between laws and ethics so that
they conduct their day-to-day tasks safely and in confidence:
LAW: Rules written by the legislature or a government agency.
ETHICS: A system of moral values; principles of conscientious conduct.
Some laws are also ethical. For example, abuse laws. Some are not
(speeding). Not all ethical principles are laws, for example, being honest.
AVOIDING LEGAL ACTION
As a carer, your primary legal responsibility is to avoid legal action for you and the company you
work for. In order to avoid legal action, follow the guidelines outlined below:
(1) Keep personal information confidential
Do not discuss confidential information with others except your supervisor or other colleagues who
are directly involved with the client’s care. Confidential information may include medical, financial, or
family issues.
(2) Only perform work assigned
If you perform a task that was not assigned by your supervisor, you become liable for those actions.
A plan is developed for each client that describes exactly what services should be provided. This is
called a care plan or support plan. It lists the tasks you should do for this person.
(3) Do not do less work than assigned
When you fail or forget to do all the tasks assigned, you may put your client at risk. As a result of
your failure to act, you might be found negligent. Again, it is important that you understand the care
or support plan for the client. You must do all the tasks assigned to you as described in the plan - not
more and not less.
(4) Avoid doing careless or low-quality work
Performing tasks carelessly might make you liable for the damages or injuries that result. Report
abuse and make sure your actions are not considered abusive.
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
Carers need to conduct their roles in an ethical and responsible manner.
Follow the guidelines outlined below in order to do so:
HONESTY: Do not be afraid to politely say “no” to a task you are not assigned to do.
Also, do not be afraid to admit that you do not know an answer to a question or how to
do a task. Never steal, take a client’s possessions, or falsify documents or reports.
RESPECT: An individual’s religious or personal beliefs and values may differ from
yours.
RELIABILITY: Arrive for assignments on time. Always finish your shift, even if a client is
being difficult or the workload is difficult. You can address those problems with the
supervisor after you have finished your shift.
GENERAL TIPS: Generally, you should not take gifts or tips. Follow the client’s service
plan unless you consult with your supervisor. Take pride in doing your job well.
