To ensure our clients receive the highest level of service available while living independently in the comfort of their own home. The following policies and guidelines that are to be strictly adhered to by staff at all times are:
- Professionalism is to be maintained under all circumstances.
- Employee identification card must be with you at all times.
- Client confidentiality is to be respected at all times, employees are not permitted to discuss client information through any type of social media i.e. face book, twitter. If there is a breach in client confidentiality, this may be grounds for immediate dismissal.
- Must maintain a valid St. Johns Ambulance or Canadian Red Cross First Aid course.
- Must be aware of the Policies and Procedures of Provincial Homecare.
- Absenteeism is acceptable only in emergency situations; notification MUST be given to office staff if an employee cannot make a scheduled shift. Failure to provide notice of a missed shift may result in immediate dismissal.
- 24-hour notice is requested if you cannot work a scheduled shift.
- It is very important to arrive for your scheduled shift on time.
- No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed prior to a shift, brought into the home, or consumed in the home of a client at any time.
- No smoking is permitted in the client’s home.
- Use of client’s telephone, PC, Smartphone, etc. is permitted only in an emergency.
- Always bring you own meals and snacks, as workers are not permitted to consume client’s food.
- Always ensure that you maintain proper hand washing techniques.
- Always use the Universal Precautions and treat all clients as if they have a communicable disease.
- No texting, tweeting, checking Facebook, use of laptops, or other sources of portable devices while at work.
- No gifts (items or cash) to be accepted from the client.
- The Home Support Worker may provide community services at the request of the client, once approved by the office. You must notify office staff before taking the client on any outing. All financial transactions are to be recorded and submitted to the office.
- Employees are not permitted to use a client bank card and should NEVER accept a private PIN.
- Employees are not permitted to transport clients in personal vehicles without office approval, proper insurance and written notification submitted to the office 24 hours in advance for approval.
- Light housework consists of general cleaning which includes but is not restricted to: vacuuming, laundry, meal preparation, washing dishes, dusting furniture, cleaning fridge and stove, changing bed linens.
- Employees are not permitted to take clients clothes home to launder.
- The Home Support Worker will provide nutritious meals under guidance of the Canada Food Guide while considering the likes and dislikes of the client. The worker may also plan meals in advance using the Canada Food Guide while including the client in planning, where possible.
- A Home Support worker must be able to communicate well with clients and understanding and aware of the client’s needs.
- A Home Support Worker is NOT PERMITTED TO CUT FINGERNAILS OR TOENAILS of their clients. Filing nails may be acceptable upon approval from the office. A registered foot care nurse should be contacted.
- Family and friends are not to be invited into the client’s home.
- Discussing personal issues with the client is not permitted
- All time sheets must be signed by the client and submitted to the office on a weekly basis. Failure to do so WILL result in a delay in getting paid.
- If you need to make changes to your scheduled shift, you MUST contact the office staff even if you discuss it with the client and they say that it is okay. Non-compliance may result in dismissal if the appropriate steps are not followed.
- In case of emergency call 911 immediately, follow directive of 911 operators and provide necessary assistance to client, notify the office of incident and current status as soon as possible. Once emergency has been addressed follow up with office to provide any additional details.
- If you arrive at a client’s home, or are working a scheduled shift and the client becomes ill or passes you should call 911 and notify the office as soon as possible.
- Professional and appropriate dress must be worn at all times. Such attire as shorts or skirts above the knee and tank tops are not permitted at work.
- Please be aware that the after hours cell phone number is for emergencies only (i.e. cannot make scheduled shift); any other questions or concerns you may have please contact staff during regular office hours 8:30- 5:00 Monday to Friday.
- When a client is admitted in the hospital all services STOP until the client has been discharged.
** All guidelines must be followed unless obtaining prior approval from the office **
