Professionalism: the competence or SKILL EXPECTED OF A PROFESSIONAL
- An Expert in the Field: Being a true professional means that you know your subject area well and possess specific skills.
- A Performer: Being a professional also means that you deliver on your promises.
- Moral and Ethics: A professional always does the right thing, no matter the situation. They will not make any compromises if they know such a decision can harm their clients.
- They accept their mistakes: A professional won’t try to make excuses when they know that they are at fault.
- They don’t crack under pressure: Professionals keep calm and look for solutions whenever they are faced with something very challenging.
- They maintain professional standard: A professional should always look their best since impression matters.
As a home care aide, your primary role is to provide care, support and assistance to clients who require help with activities of daily living. This includes tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, transferring, meal preparation, continence and light house chores. Additionally, you may support clients with medication monitoring and observation.
There are two categories of caregivers:
Hourly caregivers: They report to work at the client’s home and leave after their scheduled hours are completed for the day, they receive hourly pay based on the number of worked hours scheduled.
24-hour caregivers: They report to work at the clients home and stay overnight for one or multiple nights taking a break during down time or sleeping when the client sleeps. Meals and shared activities are usually provided by the client.
It is crucial to understand that your role as home care aide is to support and assist client live a quality and independent live as much as possible while respecting their dignity and privacy.
Your responsibilities as a home care aide will vary depending on the specific needs of your clients. You will be expected to follow a care plan that is tailored to support each client’s needs, goals and objectives. This may include detailed instructions on how to assist client with certain tasks, as well as information about any medical conditions or limitations they may have.
Remember to follow these instructions carefully and communicate any concerns or issues you may have to your supervisor.
As a home care aide, you will also be responsible for communicating with your clients and their families, as well as to this agency or other healthcare professionals involved in their care. This may include providing updates on the client’s condition, reporting any changes or concerns, and documenting your observations and interventions.
Communication is a crucial part of this job, and it is important that you are able to effectively communicate with others in a clear and professional manner.
Guidelines
In order to be a successful home care aide, be mindful that you adhere to established protocols, rules and guidelines. This includes following infection prevention and control protocols, maintaining a safe environment for your clients, and respecting their rights and preferences.
You may also be required to complete ongoing training and education to stay up to date on best practices and new developments in the health care field. By following these protocols, rules and guidelines, you can ensure that you are providing the highest level of care possible to your clients.
Finally, as a home care aide, you play a vital role in supporting the well-being of your clients. You will be working closely with individuals who may be vulnerable, isolated, or experiencing health challenges, and your care and empathy can make a significant difference in their lives.
By approaching your role with professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to excellence, you can make a positive impact and help your clients live as independently and comfortably as possible in their own homes.
Be there on time: try to get to client’s home on time and if possible, arrive a few minutes early.
Look at the care plan: it is the first place to look to know more about your client including their needs, contact information, as well as home care services you can and cannot complete regarding your client.
Keep cell phone use to the absolute minimum: try not to make or receive calls from your cell phone while with your client. Your mobile phone should be turned off unless instructed to do otherwise by the agency.
Keep the client’s information protected: According to HIPPA guidelines, do not share client’s personal information such as home addresses, phone numbers, or names with friends or families. If there is a family emergency and you need to be contacted it is best, they call the agency and have the supervisors reach you.
Be formal at first: call your client by their last name until they tell you they are comfortable with you calling them by their first name.
Do not ask for money from clients for any reason: Do not ask clients or client family members for money. Client financial needs is often managed by client, families or a home care manager.
Break the Ice: Be friendly to your client and let them know you are happy to be there. Try and get to know interesting things about your client.
If you are feeling uneasy or sick: If you are sick or not feeling well do not provide homecare services and inform the agency as quickly as possible. Never provide caregiving services under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DO NOT GIVE OR TOUCH MEDICATION (Non-prescription included).
Caregivers are not allowed to give client medication or touch their medication. However, they are allowed to help remind clients to take their medication, observe them ingest their medication and monitor medication effectiveness on client’s health. Client family, a nurse or a homecare manager is solely responsible in helping client pack weekly medication into pill strip or box.
Caregivers are required to document in the care plan which medications were monitored and the time these medications were taken. Make sure to also document if there are any side effects when a new medication is prescribed.
If your client refuses to take their medication its best to first contact client family to request for counsel. Your client family contact is often included on the client care plan.
