There are many services and health care that can be offered outside the traditional healthcare environment, such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, long-term care environments, or long-term care. Individuals can receive care at home, where they are surrounded by their loved ones and can continue to live in comfort while their daily living and health needs are met. Home health care services are provided by a team of health professionals who help patients and their families to manage their health needs.
It’s not about what you do, it’s also about how you treat your clients. It is also about what you do not do. Let’s look at some of the things you shouldn’t do when working as a home-health aide.
- Do not treat patients in a sloppy manner
You should never treat your clients in an unprofessional or rough way.
Sometimes, you might need to be firm with your client, especially when they refuse to do something that is necessary to their care plan.
You must treat your client with empathy and kindness, just as you would treat a loved one. You have been trusted by the family of your client to care for their loved one’s well-being. Therefore, you must treat them with respect, kindness and dignity.
- Never smoke in the patient’s home
You should smoke outside the client’s house during designated breaks if you have to.
You might be caring for an elderly client and they may have lung problems such as chronic obstructive or pulmonary disease (COPD). This could be exacerbated by second-hand smoking. It is not something you want for your client to feel short of breath due to second-hand smoke.
Even if you don’t have a lung condition and even though your client claims that they can smoke in their home it is rude and could reflect badly on you and your agency.
It can also be a problem if your client smells like cigarettes while you are caring for them. You should tell your agency if smoking is a problem and ask them to match you up with clients who do not.
- Avoid conflict at work
As a home health aide, one of your responsibilities is to make sure your client feels comfortable with you and your care. It’s important to create a positive environment.
If there are issues you need to resolve, with your client, their families, or any other parties involved, communicate openly, honestly, and professionally.
It is not about you or anyone else but your client’s wellbeing. Everything you do, including the care and communication with others involved, is to improve your client’s quality of living.
If you are unable to resolve a dispute using the proper methods, you can bring it up with your agency for their guidance.
- When caring for your client, don’t use profanity
This is in addition to the previous point about professionalism around clients at work.
Even if you reach a level where you are friendly with your client you still need to treat them with respect and dignity. This includes using professional language, dressing appropriately, and not smoking in front of your client.
- Avoid perfume and dangling jewellery
When working with clients, it is important to take care of your personal hygiene. It is best to avoid perfumes, especially if they are strong.
Your client may be sensitive to your perfume and it might make them uncomfortable when you are close by.
This is true for large, dangling jewellery that can cause problems for your client when you care for them.
You can conceal any jewelry you have that is religiously related under your clothing during the time you are working with your client.
- Do not borrow money or accept money from clients or their families.
Your agency must handle all financial transactions with your client, regardless of whether they are working with Medicare or your client’s insurance.
Avoid complications by refusing to accept any money from your client, or any member of their families.
In any case, do not ask your client to borrow money. This is not professional and can create doubts about your agency.
Your agency should be contacted if you have concerns about your hours or compensation.
- Discuss your client’s medical condition with no one
It is important that you only discuss the client’s medical situation with those who are directly involved in their care. This includes your client’s family members, your supervisor, and healthcare providers such as nurses and doctors.
You should not discuss the details of your client with any other employees or outside parties.
You are trusted by your client and agency with sensitive information. If you share this information with people you’re not allowed to, it can cause irreparable damage between your client and you.
Do you want to start a home-based healthcare business in Rhode Island, then?
Although Rhode Island is small, it has a big personality. It is a great place to live because of its low crime rate, high quality education, affordable housing and natural beauty. You will find a refreshing change of pace on the busy East Coast thanks to its stunning coastline and unbeatable seafood.
You should also think about Rhode Island home healthcare insurance as a business owner. You can work worry-free because it covers any costs associated with a claim against you or your company.
Final thoughts about home health aids (HHAs)
Your client’s wellbeing is your priority as a home health aide. Because they trust their loved ones, you can also offer mental security and peace of mind to your client’s family members.
This list should hopefully provide clarity on what you should and shouldn’t do when providing care. These best practices guidelines will ensure that your clients receive the best care and strengthen your relationship with them/your agency.
Remember that you can always ask questions if in doubt to clarify any aspect of your client’s care plan. You can speak directly with your clients, their families, healthcare providers and, if necessary, your home care agency.
