Teamwork

This month I’d like to address the caregiver’s ability and willingness to work with others.  It might be other caregivers, family members, visiting nurses or other professionals there to help the client.
 
In January I talked about a caregiver who can “take charge” of the situation. I spoke about it in a positive way that gives everyone peace of mind. However, like everything else, balance is needed or it can be taken too far. Power struggles are not uncommon. What do I mean?
 
No one should be indispensible.  Yes, if a client has more than one caregiver they will most likely have a “favorite” that they’d like to be there all the time.  However, I have seen caregivers say and do things that are detrimental, that foster premature dependence. Perhaps the caregiver thinks this tactic will give them more job security. Perhaps it is not even done consciously or intentionally.  In any event, this is the opposite of our goal to maximize a client’s independence and quality of life. Most are not benefitted by being waited on “hand and foot”.
 
So just a “heads up” to make sure your caregiver can cooperate with others and be the team player you need to have the system you have in place function optimally.  One of my roles after making a caregiver placement is to see that things run smoothly and to intervene if they don’t. A skilled professional can spot a small problem before it becomes a big one.
 
Share comments here if you have questions or other topics of interest that you would like me to focus on.
 
Take care,
Chris