We all know about those touchy subjects that either make us feel uncomfortable, annoyed, or uneasy. While most of the time we can avoid them in workplaces, when we are with a client, this may not be possible. For one thing, we may need to be with our client to help them or to keep them company.

 

Touchy subjects may not be things that you enjoy talking about and these range anywhere from things like religion, politics and eating a certain way. These are our personal decisions and often we do not want to discuss them with others.

Unfortunately, with some clients we are literally ‘sitting ducks’ because we cannot simply get up and walk out or get away from an unwanted discussion.

 

There are some things that you can do to gently steer away from that touchy subject so let’s look at them.

 

Change the subject

Sometimes simply changing to another topic may be enough to move on from the subject and you may be able to find a more neutral area to talk about.

 

One way to do this is to focus more on the person you are talking to. Ask them a question relating to themselves and their past.

If your client still has hobbies such as reading you may ask about a favorite author of book. This may steer them onto another path of thought.

 

Pay a compliment

Sometimes this can be a great distraction. You may comment on a certain dress, jumper, pair of shoes, handbag and ask where it came from. This will then lead to a discussion about who bought the item and where it came from.

 

Expand the audience

Nothing will change the subject faster than having a visitor who brings with them other things to talk about.

Encourage a neighbor to visit when you know your client is liable to start discussing your veganism or your religion. Most clients are at their best in the mid-morning time so this may be a good time to encourage visits.

 

If needed, excuse yourself

If your client insists on confronting you about a touchy topic, then, provided they are safe to leave you are within your rights to excuse yourself and leave the room for a short time. Make an excuse such as needing to use the bathroom or making an important phone call, walk away and return a little later with another subject ready for discussion.

 

Final thoughts

You are not, as a live-in carer obligated to talk about every subject your client, or their family chooses.

Some subjects are best kept to yourself, and you do not need to insult anyone by refusing to join in a discussion about them. Making an excuse, changing the subject, or leaving the room for a few minutes will get the point across for you.

 

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