Respecting Different Perspectives
Some clients may see things differently than you. Their ideas about society may be different. They may have different religious beliefs, political views, or values. Differences make each person unique! At times you may be pleased about such differences. Other times you may feel uncomfortable or even upset, but always remember your professional responsibility to be tolerant and respectful.
Be careful not to judge. While you may not agree with your client’s point of view, please respect their right to think for themselves and to be who they are. For more information see Module 2: Lesson 2: Honoring Differences on page 19.
Learning what is “Important TO” and “Important FOR” the Person
“Important TO / Important FOR” is a person-centered concept that encourages you to think about not only a person’s needs but also their values.
- Important TO is something you value. It includes the things that make you happy, comfortable, fulfilled, and satisfied. Spending time with friends, going shopping, and eating your favorite foods may all be important TO you.
- Important FOR are the things that keep you safe and healthy. Getting enough exercise, paying bills, and drinking lots of water might be examples of things that are important FOR many people.
Balancing “Important TO” and “Important FOR”
Sometimes what is important FOR us is also important TO us (you might enjoy frequent exercise for example). At other times that won’t be true (you might enjoy smoking instead). If you focus too much on what is important FOR your client and ignore what is important TO them, they will likely be miserable in your company and may make unhealthy choices when you are not around. If you focus too much on what is important TO them and neglect what is important FOR them, you are not promoting their health and safety.
Your scope of practice as a person-centered caregiver is to help clients find a good (for them) balance between the two. Help them make informed decisions that consider both their short-term happiness and comfort as well as their long-term well-being. Support their choice, direction, and control, but help them understand the likely impact of healthy choices.
To be able to support the whole person, you need to learn both what is important FOR them and what is important TO them.
Please complete the exercise at the top of page 13.