Caregiver and Client Boundaries
Boundaries create a healthy caregiver-client relationship by setting physical and emotional limits. In home care, it is wonderful to see emotional bonds begin to develop. However, when professional boundaries are not respected, problems are likely to arise.
Possble reasons for boundary problems include:
- Personalities
- Mental disorders
- Cultural differences
Signs of boundary problems:
- Caregivers giving too much personal information to the client or family,
- Caregivers communicating directly to the family instead of the office,
- Caregivers discussing their schedules with the client or family instead of referring them to management,
- Caregivers cancelling visits with the client instead of referring them to management,
- Giving ANY kind of advice including medical,
- Repeated gift giving from client or family, or from caregiver to client,
- Clients asking personal questions of the caregiver, and
- Client or family expecting visits or social time outside of the care setting,
Caregivers may ask themselves if they are treating this client in a different manner than other clients and are their emotions affecting their care of this client?
All employees must:
- Realize what their role is,
- Consult a supervisor if they have any questions,
- Handle issues as they happen, such as acknowledging the importance of feelings, but responding in a professional manner, and
- Seek professional counseling if needed.
Employees who are found to abuse or take advantage of clients are subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination of their employment.
