If a match isn’t working, the correct procedure is to write about the issue and inform your office rather than walking away from the assignment. Prospective Care Pros in Sandy Springs should know how to raise a fit issue in the correct and respectful way.
Not all uncomfortable situations mean a match has failed. It may just mean you need to better understand your client and situation. Understand the differences between a difficult day and a day where you should be raising a fit issue.
What constitutes a difficult day?
There can be many awkward situations as a caregiver. A client may not wish to be assisted with a task. A client may be cranky and uncooperative. A client may become distressed or upset by a caregiver’s presence. You may just need to adapt to a client’s individual preferences.
There may be many reasons why a Care Pro should refrain from accepting an assignment, but it should not be simply because the client is cranky or situation is awkward.
There may be client situations where family members expect the caregiver to perform tasks above and beyond the agreed services.
It is unprofessional to get into arguments with families and make decisions like swearing off the family for life on the spot.
In situations like these, it is best practice to log the request and contact the office for next steps.
Generally speaking, the professional working relationship between the family and the care provider should not impede the ability of the care provider to follow assignment instructions.
How do you write an incident report without including your personal opinion about the client or family member?
Report the facts.
Leading incident report writers believe that including their opinion about the nature of the problem or calling the client or family member names will help the office understood the situation. It doesn't. Report the situation as it is, not as you think it should be.
Sufficient and relevant details may include, but are not limited to the following:
- What transpired
- When did it occur
- Is it a reoccurring problem
- Does the care receiver have a request or task outlined in the care plan
- What is your response to the request
- Is there anything you need to address the situation prior to your next visit.
Do not write, "the family is demanding and does not know their role." That will not help the office and probably creates more distance between you and the family.
To be clear, it is not the role of the care provider to determine whether expectations are misaligned. It is the role of the office to determine that.
Situations like these may help the office identify opportunities for improving communication.
Can you carry out your assigned tasks in a positive and professional manner?
If you have a problem with your assignment, use the office’s formal process to resolve it.
You should not let things build up so much that you want to literally walk off the job.
I think your note should be brief. It should be a description of the situation, how severe it is, if if affects your ability to implement the Care Plan, and what level of clarification you need.
The office should have an understanding of the following:
- The nature of your problem.
- If this is an isolated situation or if it has occurred repeatedly.
- If your concern relates to the Care Plan, work schedule, families’ expectations, and/or communication among the Caregivers.
- What have you already done to attempt to resolve this.
- Are you able to work the assignment while this problem exists.
The office may want to redefine the scope of the assignment to provide clarification.
In some cases, a more extensive redefinition of the situation may be warranted.
To learn the boundaries of a Care Pro and when it is acceptable to communicate a poor job fit, you should review what the Care Pro experience can involve and contact the Home Instead office to learn more.
Disappearing from a job or refusing to take assignment is not an acceptable means to communicate a poor job fit.
Canceling or not showing up for an assignment creates problems for the client and may create confusion for the family and office staff. The same is true if you stop taking assignments without notifying the office.
If you feel you can not work your assignment any longer, notify the office.
You may need to explain your reason for being concerned about the assignment.
It is alright for you to decide you need to stop working an assignment; however, be aware there may be consequences for not notifying the office of your concerns.
Being a Care Pro means understanding your limits.
Understanding when to reach out for help and when to change your assignment due to concerns is important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caregiver Jobs in Sandy Springs
What if I do not get along with my client?
It may help to give the client and yourself some time. Relationships take time to build. If you have concerns about the client, you may give yourself time to work through those. Otherwise, contact the office to address your concerns.
What should I do if a client or family requests something that is not in the care plan?
You should contact the office and get clarification about the request before doing anything.
Can my schedule change due to client-match issues?
Potentially. If the assignment you’re working changes or ends, your work schedule may also change. When you meet with the office, ask how they change and assign employees to work.
Can I be given a different assignment?
Yes. You can speak with the office to explain your concerns. What happens next is determined by a number of factors. The best thing to do in this situation is to have a discussion with the office to explain your situation.
How can I find caregiver jobs in Sandy Springs?
Apply online for Home Instead caregiver jobs and call to find out about caregiver jobs and current openings. When do they schedule client visits? How do they match clients with caregivers? If you have concerns about a client, how do you contact them? It’s best to ask these questions before accepting client work.
It’s best to find out the answers to the above questions about client work before you begin your first client case. Understanding the policies and procedures of client work can help you deal with situations that you may find difficult. Contact the Home Instead office if you need more help.
About the Author
Kelee King has been part of the Home Instead team since 2018 and brings a strong understanding of senior care and caregiver support. As Chief Operating Officer, she provides leadership and guidance to her team while helping families and caregivers receive attentive, dependable support.
