When you step into the profession of senior home care, you are taking on great responsibility. Home care agents really do have a lot on their plate because taking care of a senior can sometimes be akin to caring for a small child with major medical issues. You may find that in addition to the required services, such as help with personal hygiene and food, your employer expects a lot more from you.
It is important to have a contractual agreement between you and the employer that outlines what you will and will not be responsible for during your hours of duty:
You Will Not be Responsible for Running Household Errands
Your position in senior care service does not require you to be responsible for running errands for your employer. If you choose to handle doctor's appointments and other medical-related needs, this is certainly your choice.
However, trips to the grocery store or post office should not be on your list of things to do. Leaving the home with the person you are responsible for caring for can bring many more risk factors into the situation as well.
It Will Not be Your Responsibility to Care for Anyone Other Than the Senior Patient
A senior patient with medical needs will require the majority of your attention the entire day. Bringing children or even pets into the picture can take away from your ability to perform your job to the best of your abilities.
Some employees will automatically expect you to lookout for children or pets when you are on the job, which is not what you are paid to do. Be sure to clearly outline this point in your initial contract agreement.
You Are Not Hired as a Basic Maid
It is normal that you clean up after yourself and your patient while you are on the job. This may even include removing trash on occasion or washing the dishes that are used during mealtime. However, you should never be expected to perform routine chores while you are in the home. Once again, attention to household cleaning needs can distract you from what you should be doing, which is caring for your elderly patient.
By making sure that your employer has a clear idea of what your responsibilities are as an in home care agent, you will be better capable of doing your job. Furthermore, you will avoid disagreements about your terms of service in the future. To learn more, contact a company like ComForcare Home Care - Woburn, MA with any questions or concerns you have.
Share11 November 2014
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