Getting to know you
When it comes to care, we believe that no one should feel like they are inviting a stranger into their home.
Published: 29/08/2024
When it comes to care, we believe that no one should feel like they are inviting a stranger into their home. Right at Home Havant and Petersfield’s ‘No Strangers’ policy helps ensure that our Clients and CareGivers get to know each other even before they start working together.
While it’s not practical for everyone to meet face to face in advance, all of our CareGivers and Clients fill in their own one page profile, which is shared between themselves and their care team. Each profile includes a photo and – on the Client side – their answers to questions about what’s important to them, what others appreciate about them and their daily and overall goals.
CareGivers answer similar questions in their profiles, but instead of listing their goals, they provide details about their past experience, training and development achievements and future plans. They also include how they like to be recognised or rewarded for a job well done.
“By reading about each other in advance, they can connect as individuals, not just as a Client or CareGiver,” explained Nickki Haggar, our Registered Care Manager. “Our one page profiles can help both parties to find common ground, start conversations and build trust with each other – ultimately allowing us to provide the best possible care.”
Along with their weekly schedules, our Clients receive the profiles of any visiting CareGivers who may be covering for those on holiday or sickness leave so they can learn about who will be caring for them before they arrive at their front door – and vice versa.
CareGivers, Clients and their families alike are happy with the approach. They agree that in addition to providing a foundation for building positive relationships, the information and visibility the profiles provide can flag up any issues in advance, helping to avoid potential conflicts.
“We are committed to ensuring our Clients and CareGivers feel comfortable with each other and that no one feels like they are working with or caring for a stranger,” continued Nickki.
She concluded: “We work hard to match our Clients and CareGivers together as part of the assessment process, but the profiles take this a step further – allowing them to get to know more about each other and their interests as people, making it even easier to get the right fit from the start, whether it’s for the long term or temporary cover.”
