Helping Clients to Help Themselves

This post is directed to professional caregivers and applies to any caregiver…

Some clients are very clear about their wants, others just don’t want to be a bother. It can be hard to know how to approach those who don’t want to be a bother. Should you make a suggestion and see how it goes? Should you push a little harder? Should you not bother because your client seems to know what they want?

Any time a client is making a choice because they don’t want to be a bother, it is a bad choice. It is a bad choice because they are not getting what they want or need because they don’t want to bother whoever is there to help, pro or family. It may make the day easier for the Caregiver, but that’s not why you’re there.

Back to the question… The answer comes in two parts…
First, it depends on what it is. How important is it? Second, it depends on how well you know the person. Is it in character? How does it impact their quality of life? Are they trying not to be a bother or is there something else going on?

Some ways to approach these situation are… For some people, making a suggestion is all that it takes and should be the first approach. For other clients, it takes making a suggestion and then literally taking steps – like getting up to start what ever it is, to allow them to let you help. Don’t ever force someone to do something. If you don’t know a client well enough, ask a family member or a case manager. Get their suggestions.

Some specifics are…If you’re ending a shift with a client who hasn’t had a drink in a little bit, leave them with a drink before you leave. If the mail needs to go out, or the garbage, suggest to do it on your way out. If you know a client enjoys walking, suggest that you’d like to go for a walk at an appropriate time (set the stage) and then follow through. Maybe they don’t enjoy walking but need to get the exercise. They might just do it if they have company. You can suggest that it’s more fun with someone else. Arrange to do something on your next visit, put it on the calendar and leave a reminder note when you leave. On your next visit, bring it up first thing.

There are so many things you can do to help a client who doesn’t want to be a bother that will make their day. It just takes a little investigation and a great presentation.

Tags: caregiver, senior care

Category: Caregiving, Professional Caregiving