4.6: Working Effectively to Strengthen Families
As Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides work with children and their families, they should always keep in mind that all families are different. Families have different religious and spiritual beliefs, customs, cultures, traditions, and values. Always be respectful of the uniqueness of each family and look for the family’s strengths. Even in families where substance abuse or domestic violence has been an issue, there are strengths. It is important to help the family recognize these strengths and build upon them.
Learn what family member sets the rules and is considered to be the head of the household. Be respectful of parenting rules and styles, yet be aware of any possible issues of abuse or neglect. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should model positive parenting techniques with the children they work with to show parents and caregivers other methods of working with children. Keep in mind that many situations which require home care are stressful for the family and children involved. Practice good communication skills and act as a role model for how to positively communicate and handle stress.
Remember that families will all have different resources, financial situations, education levels, and lifestyles. It is not up to a HHA/PCA to change a family‘s lifestyle. It is up to the HHA/PCA to find the strengths and positives in each family and to treat each family and family member with respect. At the beginning of each home care visit, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should meet with the parent or primary care provider to discuss what concerns they have and what needs they have for the day. If they demonstrate that they care about the family’s needs being met, the family will be more willing to work with them and the experience will be more positive for everyone involved.
Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should always remember to report any incidents where they suspect a child is being maltreated or abused or if domestic violence is occurring in the home. They should report any observations they make about changes in parent or children behaviors and suspicions of alcohol or substance abuse to their supervisor, and they should inform their supervisor if they think the family could benefit from extra assistance such as parenting classes, a social worker, or community resources such as referrals to food banks, social service agencies, and healthcare facilities.