Professional Boundaries
The Agency by nature of the services it provides cares for vulnerable adults and children. Professional boundaries provide the framework for a healthy work relationship between you and your client(s). They are the physical and emotional limits that protect the client’s well-being and protect employees from potential misunderstandings.
In caring for clients, it is common for strong emotional bonds to develop. However, when healthy professional boundaries are not respected, problems are likely to arise. Clients are extremely vulnerable because they trust us as their home care provider. They come to us in a time of need, presenting with physical and emotional distress. When professional boundaries are violated or inappropriately crossed, it causes the professional caregiver- client relationship to become unhealthy, untrustworthy, and possibly unethical or illegal (see “Reporting Neglect / Abuse / Exploitation, below). Boundary violations can discourage clients from seeking help in the future and may promote unhealthy dependence.
We expect all employees who provide hands on care for clients to set and maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries with clients, the client’s family members and visitors. What follows are some important guidelines for setting your professional boundaries:
● Always communicate with clients and others in the client’s home in a professional manner, using appropriate tones of voice and body language.
● Be on time to the client’s home.
● Wear your work badge at all times.
● Do not shout at the client or use offensive or coercive language; do not make sexual comments or jokes.
● When providing approved services that involve touch, such as bathing assistance, use your touch correctly and appropriately. Do not be aggressive or impatient with your touch.
● Use verbal praise instead of showing physical affection.
● Do not address the client using terms of endearment (e.g., ‘honey,” “sweetie”).
● Do not give or accept gifts, loans, money, or other valuables to or from clients or their family members.
● Do not have personal visitors, children or pets while on duty at a client assignment.
● Do not visit or spend extra time with a client when off duty.
● Do not share personal information or personal problems with the client, as this blurs professional boundaries and may cause the client distress on your behalf.
● Be responsive to the client’s needs and maintain a respectful attitude with all clients equally.
The above guidelines are not exhaustive. Violating this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate discharge, depending on the circumstances. Any employee who is not sure of an appropriate response to a situation that may violate this policy should discuss the situation with their Supervisor or any Manager before responding.