Protecting Client Privacy and Independence

Prelude: Client-Centered Care

The Skills Checklist on page 420 presents a specific step-by-step approach for each task. These steps
are safe for you and the client. Once you have mastered these tasks, you will be ready to take the skills test for Home Care Aide certification. You must respect the client’s feelings, moods, and day-to-day preferences. Never try to force a client to do something simply to stick to your work schedule. This independence and control is critical to a client’s health and well-being. Remember that supporting a person’s independence and social needs has a powerful effect on their well-being and quality of life.

What would you do in each situation?
Situation A
Sandra is a resident of the facility where you work. Your list of tasks this morning includes assisting her to get dressed. However, when you knock on her door, she tells you she is not ready to get up yet.
Situation B
Miguel is a resident in the home where you work. He needs assistance brushing his teeth. However, when you begin the task, he stops you and says that he does not want to do it.

In situation A, you should ask Sandra why she does not want to get up to make sure nothing is wrong.
Then ask her when she would like to get dressed and change your schedule to suit her preference. In situation B, oral care is essential for Miguel’s health and safety. Talk with Miguel about why it is important, ask him why he does not want to do it, and negotiate a different time or way to ensure his mouth and teeth get clean.

Look to the right column of page 84 in your text for an exercise regarding the Client’s rights to their own choices.

Protecting Client Privacy

Most of us would prefer to wash, groom, and care for ourselves in privacy. When a person needs
assistance with personal care, they may feel vulnerable or embarrassed. They might feel a loss of independence and self-esteem because they need support with basic tasks.

Physical Privacy

One way to be sensitive to a client is to honor their privacy when you perform any personal care. Always:

knock before entering a room with a closed door, and wait for permission to enter;
close windows, curtains, and doors before starting personal care tasks;
keep the client’s body covered as much as possible; and
give the client privacy to do as much self-care as possible.

Personal Privacy

Everyone needs personal privacy sometimes. Respect and support a client’s privacy when:

the client wants to be alone to think or deal with problems or losses;

the client is visiting, talking on the phone, reading their mail; or
the client wants to enjoy some quiet time alone.

Supporting Client Independence

Helping the client maintain independence is one of your primary goals as a Home Care Aide. The ability to take care of ourselves helps us feel secure and purposeful. Losing independence can cause anxiety and depression. Supporting a client’s mobility, social connections, and feeling of self-worth is physically and emotionally therapeutic. By helping a client do as much as they can for themselves, you support their independence. You can support a client’s independence during personal care tasks by:

giving the client opportunities to do things for themselves as much as possible;
encouraging the client to complete tasks in small steps so they don’t get discouraged;
providing plenty of encouragement and positive feedback; and
encouraging the use of any assistive device(s).

Be patient. Do not rush or let getting your “work done” take priority over supporting a client’s independence