The Code of Ethics calls for Aides to provide care on the same level to all client’s regardless of their racial or religious beliefs. Aides should strive to:
Always speaking professionally but kindly to your clients can help you develop a good relationship with them.
When communicating with your clients, it is important to show empathy and respect. This lets them know you genuinely care for them and will try to help them in any way you can.
Try to show only positive emotions when talking to your clients, even if you are frustrated, angry or sad. Never display signs of aggression or hostility. Maintaining a positive attitude will help your clients feel safe and secure. If you are unable to project positive emotions, talk to your manager about taking a break from this assignment.
When patients are on edge or emotional, it is best to speak clearly, with a lowered voice, to keep them calm. People, in general, are usually stressed about their physical wellbeing and this stress can affect their ability to be rational and to communicate clearly.
If clients are upset or angry, don’t let their anger draw a similar reaction from you. Attempt to diffuse the situation by bringing the conversation back to their basics of their care rather than their anger.
No matter how hard you try, sometimes there may be a client who complains and become argumentative. In this situation, it is important to alert the office about this immediately so that they can intervene. In some cases, it may be best for everyone to reassign the client another caregiver. This is not a poor reflection of you or your care, but rather a recognition that the best solution may be to take you out of the hostile situation.
The client’s family often needs reassurance from you that their loved one is receiving good care and attention. Try to introduce yourself to new family members and build a relationship with the patient’s family by being friendly and professional. You can provide the family with details about the client’s physical and emotional state, but only include information that you have personally observed. It is not appropriate for you to share a medical diagnosis. You can tell the family the amount of food the client has eaten and what the patient’s day was like.
It is also important to be alert to whether the patient is able to understand you if you have an accent or the client has some hearing or cognitive impairment. If you sense that the client may not be able to understand you, it is best to ask the them directly if they are able to hear/understand.
Whenever you are going to carry out a task on a client, be sure to tell them beforehand what you what you are going to do.
Treating patients, families, co-workers and supervisors with respect is another important part of professionalism.
Caring for yourself and presenting yourself in a professional manner will provide great job satisfaction and build trust and confidence in those you work with, and in the patients you care.