The Clients
adults receive long-term care services and support in Washington, with more added every year. This growing population includes people with diverse life experiences, cultures, ethnicities, languages, gender identities, and ableness. These adults need some assistance because of functional, physical, and/or mental challenges with caring for themselves. The support they receive from caregivers helps them to maintain their highest level of independence.
Terminology: “Client” or “Resident”
The Department of Social and Health Services frequently uses the term “client” for people who receive long-term care. In residential settings, such as an adult family home, assisted living facility, or enhanced services facility, “resident” is often used.
You may hear other terms such as “care recipient,” “service participant,” or “consumer.” Your choice of words affects the people you support and their families. Ask them what they prefer and use the term most appropriate for your care setting.
How can our word choice affect other people? Try to relate your answer to what you learned in Module 2: Person-Centered Care.
Care Settings
Most people prefer to live and grow old in their own homes and communities. They want to stay close to their families, friends, and pets, and participate in meaningful activities. The type of care setting that a client chooses depends on the services and support they need.
Clients can receive assistance from Home Care Aides in many different settings, including:
- their individual house or apartment,
- an adult family home,
- an assisted living facility, or
- an enhanced services facility.
Care Teams
As a Home Care Aide, you are part of the team that supports the client’s well-being. This group also
includes the client themselves and anyone else the client chooses, such as:
- the client’s relatives,
- their friends,
- doctors,
- nurses,
- formal representatives,
- social workers, and
- case managers.
Can you think of other people who may be part of someone’s care team?
The care team works together to provide person-centered care based on the client’s choices, strengths, and goals.