How to Be a Good Personal Care Attendant

By: Katie McMillan

It’s hard for anyone to admit when we need help. So imagine if the quality of your entire life depended on help from other people. Not only would you need to accept receiving care, but you would also need to rely on your caregivers to provide you with what you need, when you need it.

The relationship between care attendant and client is very important. If you are considering working in the field, you are probably curious about what it takes to provide good quality and professional care to your clients.

Here are key criteria for being a good care attendant:

COMMUNICATE

Self-directed care is client centered. A client who is able to direct care will fully explain what needs to be done and how they would like it done in the care session.  If there are questions or concerns that arise during the session, the attendant has the right to have those concerns addressed.  For example, if there is a concern with a transfer that the attendant finds difficult, the attendant and client work together to find a mutually agreeable solution. Concerns should only be discussed between the client and the concerned attendant. In the same respect, clients should also feel comfortable to raise a concern if one should arise from their perspective as well. To ensure client-centered care, neither party should discuss concerns with a third party (e.g another attendant, family member, etc.). This also helps maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

BE TRUSTWORTHY AND TRUSTING

This concept couples with communication - both the attendant and client need to work towards establishing a healthy level of trust. Attendants and clients alike need to trust that the other has their best interest in mind and that safety is always number one. The attendant should feel safe in the workplace and while carrying out client-directed care tasks, and the client needs to feel confident that the attendant is capable of carrying out those tasks. A healthy line of communication will lead to mutual trust.

LISTEN

Remember - always - that this is Client-Directed Care. It is vital, for the sake of maintaining a functional attendant/client relationship, that the client’s directions are being fully respected. For example, say the client is directing you to put on a shirt over their head, but you notice it has buttons, continue to put on the shirt how the client has directed. If you unbutton the shirt to put it on, it may make it “easier” for you, but it will make the client feel undermined. The client is entitled to full control of their care. The client should never feel obligated to make your job “easier”. However, if they are directing you to complete a task in a way that is uncomfortable, harmful or unsafe for you, always COMMUNICATE that.

BE EMPATHIC

Putting yourself in the client’s shoes will be very helpful when preparing to deliver care services. Ask yourself, how would I want my care delivered? What qualities would I want in someone providing my personal care? How would I handle being put in vulnerable situations on a regular, daily basis? What boundaries would I set for my attendants? Think about your answers and apply them to how you conduct yourself on the job. It will ensure that you can be proud to deliver the services you offer.

Unlike traditional healthcare agencies, Whimble puts the client in charge right from the very first tap. Two-way communication, trust and empathy are qualities that every human is capable of. Being on the roster as an attendant with Whimble will show you how empowering it is for clients to have the freedom they need and deserve in their lives.

We’re live in Ottawa! Join our beta here if you’re in the city. For those outside of Ottawa, join the waiting list here so we know where to expand next!

Header image (fist bump) via Unsplash (markusspiske)

Katie McMillan is an advocate for people with disabilities, and has lifelong lived experience with a disability. She has spent some time working with the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto, where she continued her work towards disability awareness, advocacy and support. She has spent her adulthood receiving care services, both from agencies and has experience as a self-manager with the Direct Funding Program. Currently, she is working with the Toronto Blue Jays JaysCare Foundation. The foundation raises funds for underprivileged children and youth with disabilities, to assist them in being able to enjoy participating in sports. Katie is an aspiring writer, and wants to travel more in the very near future.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Katie on her social platforms, for support, assistance with advocacy or just to have someone to relate to.

Email: kmcmilla83@gmail.com

Twitter: @bsbraven

Instagram: katielee3891