As with any business a successful client relationship is built on trust and transparency. The same goes for the live-in carer and client position. For a harmonious relationship to start and then to continue, there must be both of these elements present.

While with most clients this might be easy to achieve, there will be some instances where things simply take longer to work out, or occasionally do not work out at all. 

Is there a way to improve techniques?

Go above and beyond

While it is common knowledge that live-in care can be a very busy time, with not much to spare, it is worth thinking about this statement. Going above and beyond does not necessarily mean creating a lot of extra work. 

It can mean taking the needs of each client into consideration. For example, should your client prefer to have the top of the milk in their coffee, then make sure you keep a new bottle for this moment. If your client prefers to watch the news on a certain channel, then be sure to change channels before the news starts so they can catch the very start.

Treat your present client like the most important one

Sometimes carers work for more than one client at a time and travel between the two at the end of the placement. Treating the client you are with as if they are the most important person in your life at that time will go a long way to a harmonious relationship between you.

Try to focus on the placement where you are at and forget for the time, the placement you have just come from or are going to next. Clients will not want to be compared to other placements and people, and may not be happy for constant conversation about where you go next.

Be patient with relationships

Good relationships do not happen overnight. Less so with clients where a carer actually moves into their home and becomes a part of their lives. They may be very reluctant at first to welcome you with open arms. 

Accept the fact that they may be comparing you to a previous carer who, once they have left, can do no wrong in a client’s eyes. It is never a good idea to try to compete with another carer, especially if they are no longer there. Rather, build on your own relationship with your client.

Get to know your client and routine

Become familiar with any quirks that your client may have, such as keeping the bedroom door open a crack at night, or using only a certain type of shampoo. It is easy to assume that every client has the same habits but in fact, one client will almost always differ from any other client. 

Try not to compare them to each other. As the saying goes, ‘one man’s meat is another man’s poison.’

Use the preferred form of communication

While this may sound strange, it is a valid point, once you think it through. Not all clients will appreciate you simply walking into a room, many may prefer that you knock. 

Some will be happy to be called by a first name only, and others may feel better being addressed as Mr or Mrs Smith. Some may have a nickname which they are comfortable for you to adopt, while others may take some time to feel comfortable with being called a pet name. 

Unless you are specifically asked to call them by another name, always start with Mr or Mrs first. This can always be changed as your client becomes more comfortable with you.

Final thoughts

Relationships always take time to build and become harmonious, but it is worth the extra effort in the end. 

Bearing in mind that live-in carers are with a client for many hours a day, it is important that there is a good relationship. 

Tension and stress between client and carer will make the placement almost unbearable for both parties. The extra work towards a good relationship will make the home happy for both client and carer.

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