As a new live-in carer, you may wonder if it is suitable to wear some things or not. Agencies can be very vague about what you should or should not wear, particularly if you are classed as self-employed.
If you are self-employed you will find that your agency simply recommends things you either wear or not, although if you are directly employed by an agency, they will have definite ideas of what to wear.
There are some things that are acceptable to wear, while others are simply taboo. Let’s look at some things that you may want to stay away from.
Neck chains
While you may never want to take your special chain off, it is a good idea to remove it. If your client is unsteady and starts to fall backwards (which often happens) they will very likely grab at anything they can to stop falling. If this is the chain around your neck it may break, or worse, it will cut into your own neck and injure you.
Ornate rings
Most rings that are flat such as wedding bands and signet rings are acceptable because they will not catch on your client or their clothing. Ornate rings can do a lot of damage to already delicate skin. Simply rubbing a ring against delicate skin can cause a nasty cut and infection. If you feel you cannot remove your ring, you may want to keep a sticking plaster over it.
Dangly earrings
Avoid these for the same reason you would avoid a neck chain. If your client manages to grab an earring you may find yourself with an injured piercing. Sometimes clients can become argumentative and lash out at the carer. Wearing dangly earrings will just give them something to aim for.
Low cut tops and short skirts
Although this may be an obvious one to avoid, you will often see other people wearing these around male clients. Do not think that because your male client is advanced in years, that he does not still have any sexual feelings. What he may not have is the social grace to know when to ignore skimpy clothing. There is a very real chance that he may think you are encouraging him to make a pass at you. You will then find yourself in the horrible position of having to refuse his advances and risk upsetting him.
Open toed shoes
This one is dependant on the placement you find yourself in. If there is a wheelchair user in the house, then try to wear closed shoes wherever you can. There is not much else more painful than having your toes run over by an electric wheelchair (they are heavy!) and you will wish that even in the summer months you had an extra layer of protection on your feet.
To sum up
Unless your agency has definite rules about what you can and cannot wear, it is up to you to decide your own dress code. It makes sense to never have any jewellery on that can scratch or cut your client. It also makes sense not to wear clothing which may seem provocative.
The shoes you wear are entirely your own choice, although bear in mind that if a wheelchair stops on your toes, it takes a few seconds to get it off. Having closed shoes gives you a little more protection and is worth thinking about, even in the summer months.
Tags:
© 2025 EJOBBOARD LTD. All Rights Reserved.