Once you become a Personal Support Worker (PSW), your ability to forge solid and constructive relationships with your clients’ families will help you to ensure the provision of quality and personalized care. Many family members undoubtedly wish to give their loved one everything they require; however, a lack of time, expertise, and accessibility make that impossible for most families. That’s where your support comes in. Keep reading for some helpful pointers that you can apply after career training to build supportive relationships with the families of your clients.Â
Make Client Information Easily Accessible to FamiliesÂ
As a Personal Support Worker, you will be privy to each client’s personal information. With so much inside knowledge on their health, prescriptions, doctor recommendations, mental state, and needs, you’ll be the perfect liaison between your client, other healthcare professionals, and family members. That’s why it will be important to maintain open lines of communication.Â
Be sure to project an approachable, open attitude to start your relationship with families on a positive footing. Ask for contact information so that you can fill your client’s family in after doctor’s appointments, provided your client consents and is unable to do so. Family members who are aware of and concerned about their loved one’s needs are better able to offer additional assistance, which can benefit you as a PSW and give clients the enrichment they need.
Aim to Connect Families to Helpful Resources After Personal Support Worker CollegeÂ
After Personal Support Worker training, you will have the opportunity to work with various healthcare professionals and support staff. This will likely put you in a prime position to learn about lesser-known resources available to your clients and their families. For instance, many of your clients’ families could benefit from the support of a counsellor as they deal with drastic life changes. This support could involve helping your client to transition into long-term care or even grief counselling as your client’s family grapples with the possibility of losing their loved one.
As you get to know family members, take note of their situation, how they’re dealing with it, and what they seem to struggle with most. Use your professional experience and connections to offer helpful solutions.Â
Take Every Opportunity to Ask Families What They NeedÂ
You might not be able to infer what every family member needs. Comfort levels with sharing differ from person to person, so to learn what you can do to support the client’s family, you may need to demonstrate that you care and ask them outright. Find time to pull family members aside, as they may feel more comfortable opening up to you in private. Throughout your Personal Support Worker career, always express genuine concern and ask about specific ways you can provide help. Listen actively to the response and offer assurance that you will follow through to the best of your ability. Certainly, after completing the Personal Support Worker program at Medix College, and earning your PSW certificate, assisting families in need will be a rewarding part of your career. Develop the hands-on and theoretical skills you need to start your PSW journey at our reputable healthcare college.Â
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