In any work setting, it is important to speak up when you feel like something is “off”. Some may not know how especially true this is in the home care realm where a client or patient’s life is in a caregiver’s hands. Having a “questioning attitude” can quite literally save someone’s life.
This is why it is very crucial for our caregivers to identify concerns and escalate them to their supervisors. Some caregivers may encounter tough situations in the home such as:
- – hospice or family member may ask them to give medications that are not in the care plan
- – the family may ask to provide a care task that could be out of the caregiver’s scope of practice
- – a change in a client’s condition that goes unreported
- – they have a concern when they follow a previous caregiver
- – they may not understand something in the care plan
The list goes on and on. There are many nuanced situations that can leave a caregiver feeling unsure. Some of these instances may even be more abstract or difficult to define. Even so, we would like to encourage and empower caregivers to have a “questioning attitude” and to speak up when something does not look or sound right.
A “Questioning Attitude” provides safe client care. Ask yourself:
- – Does this task follow the client’s care plan?
- – Are you being asked to give a new medication that’s not in the client’s care plan?
- – Has something changed in your client’s condition?
- – I do not understand why this is in my client’s care plan.
- – Do I have a concern I should escalate to my supervisor?
We encourage all caregivers to raise any concerns they may have. Family Resource Home Care’s supervisors are available 24/7 to answer any questions. They are always happy to assist and support, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to supervisors at your local branch if you feel something needs to be shared with regard to care for your client.
