Let’s face it, being a carer is a selfless job. Most carers take on the role because they feel called to do so; to look after people who need them. While they play an integral role in society, there isn’t a user manual for carers simply because the majority of people don’t set out to become one. While carers try their best to balance the practical and psychological needs of the person relying on them, sometimes things go wrong and it’s at times like these that we should acknowledge that we’re all human and that the odd mistake is inevitable. As humans, we sometimes forget to take the ‘human element’ aspect into consideration. However, rather than focussing on the issue, we should instead look at how we may proactively address issues with due care and kindness.
Even if the initial interview between a client and carer went well, there are times when things don’t go as expected. Here are a few examples: –
- Personality Clashes:
A difference in personality can sometimes be an issue. If you’ve tried resolving the issue and feel that things still haven’t improved, speak to your agency about assigning a different carer. A good agency will care about your satisfaction, as well as the carer’s, and will assign a carer who can better suit your needs.
- Communication Gap:
Listening plays an important role in maintaining good communication levels between client and carer, but sometimes this can be more than just a slight challenge. While both the client and the carer should try communicating clearly in an easy-to-understand language, it’s important that any concerns are addressed immediately so that they can be understood and handled appropriately.
- Lateness/Tardiness:
From being delayed in traffic, broken down cars to even sleeping through an alarm, we’ve all been there! If a carer is late for work for a good reason, and it doesn’t happen more than once or twice, then that can be expected. However, if the carer is often late then action must be taken.
- Injury:
A client may have a condition that increases their risk for injury in the home, and this can sometimes be difficult for a carer to manage. A carer can also be hurt, for example when lifting or helping a client up. Safety hazards should also be removed so as to avoid falling, tripping, and bumping into things.
- Breakages:
Carers often have to use a client’s electrical installation and electrical equipment (i.e., power points, lights, extension leads, etc.). Breakages occur.
- Emotional and Physical Stress:
All parties should at all times be mindful of the emotional and physical strain that can, at times, overwhelm both the client and the carer.
Everyone is human, whether you’re the carer or the one being cared for. It’s essential that everyone is open and candid about all aspects of care and treatment, including when any mistakes have been made.
At Dewcare, we’re proud to have approximately sixty caring, capable, friendly, and hardworking carers on our team. We always strive to provide our valued clients with a suitable match in carer, but we also acknowledge that sometimes situations don’t always go according to plan.
By encouraging open and transparent dialogue between our clients and carers, we can ensure that any issues are addressed immediately. As innovators in our field, we believe in fostering a culture of continual learning and improvement, on all levels.
Information sources and further reading:
https://www.bihr.org.uk/blog/carers-week-promoting-carers-human-rights
https://www.homeandhearthcare.com/what-happens-if-home-care-goes-wrong/
Keywords:
Home-based care; elderly care; ageing parents; carers; in-home care; Hermanus; Dewcare; caregiver