Chapter 11 Working With Clients and Their FamiliesYour Relationship With the Client e Arelationship is the connection between two or more people and is shaped by the roles, feelings, and interactions of those involved 0 Personal relationships 0 Professional relationships * It is unethical to mix a professional relationship with a personal relationship. * See textbook Table 11.1: Professional Supportive Relationships Versus Friendships Copyright © 2022 Elsevier, ne. All Rights Reserved,Professional Boundaries (1 of 3) e These are limitations on behaviour, meant to protect vulnerable clients from the caregiver who has access to private knowledge about them. e When one person is dependent upon another, the balance of power may not be equal. 0 Being aware and trying to make allowances for potential imbalances of power is important in maintaining professional boundaries. 10 2022 Elsevier, Ine. All Rights Reserved.Professional Boundaries (2 of 3) e You do not have the right to force a client to do anything they do not wish to do. e Maintain confidentiality: 0 You are caring for clients when they are at their most vulnerable 0 See textbook box: Supporting Mrs. Chase: Maintaining Professional Boundaries ght © 2022 Elsevier, [Link] Rights Reserved.Professional Boundaries (3 of 3) Establish a professional helping relationship to help the client. 0 Demonstrate the following: * Respect * Compassion 0 See textbook box: Supporting Mark Vickers: Showing Compassion * Empathy * Sympathy * Competence * Self-awareness 0 See textbook box: Supporting Mr. Raftis: The Need for Self-Awareness Copyright © 2022 Elsevier, ne. All Rights Reserved,Independence, Dependence, Interdependence (1 of 2) e Independence: A state of not relying on others for control or authority (ability to direct one’s own life) e Dependence: A state of relying on others for support and being unable to manage without help e Interdependence: A state of relying on one another (each person relies on the other for some things) zht © 2022 Elsevier, Ine. All Rights Reserved.Independence, Dependence, Interdependence (2 of 2) e These are fundamental concepts in the professional helping relationship. e Animportant goal of most clients is to achieve or maintain as much independence as possible. a As a support worker, you must respect your client’s choices. 0 Clients must never feel that you are judging their decisions. zht © 2022 Elsevier, Ine. All Rights Reserved.Self-Esteem What makes clients feel good about themselves? Self-esteem can suffer when independence is limited or lost. Offer encouragement and praise the client’s successes. Finding one’s purpose can increase confidence. Offer honest feedback in a gentle, supportive manner. zht © 2022 Elsevier, Ine. All Rights Reserved.The Balance of Power in a Professional Relationship e When one person is dependent on another, the balance of power may not be equal. 0 In some situations, it may lead to the stronger person abusing the dependent person. e Be aware of your “power” in the professional relationship. e Whenever possible, involve the client in solving problems and in making decisions that may arise. zht © 2022 Elsevier, Ine. All Rights Reserved.The Client’s Family e A family is biological, legal, or social network of people who provide support for one another. e Families can take many different forms 0 Your client will determine who he or she regards as family members. 10 2022 Elsevier, Ine. All Rights Reserved.Your Role in Assisting the Family e You may assist the family in many different ways: 0 You may care for a new mother and baby, toddlers or older children e Primary caregiver: The person who assumes responsibilities for caring for person with illness/disability in the person’s home a You may assist primary caregiver by providing respite 0 See textbook box: Focus On Home Care: Assisting the Primary Caregiver 2022 Blhevier [Link] Rights Reserve,Families in Conflict (1 of 3) When illness or disability occurs, the stress on all family members may be great and all have to cope with conflict. Conflicts may take the form of expressions of irritation, anger, bickering, and arguments. Conflicts may sometimes be hidden. Sometimes members of the health care team can help families resolve difficulties by encouraging communication or defusing tense situations. ght © 2022 Elsevier, [Link] Rights Reserved. 12Families in Conflict (2 of 3)Families in Conflict (3 of 3) e You must observe and report on family interactions, and also be alert for signs of abuse. 0 Refer to textbook box: Case Study: Family Conflict zht © 2022 Elsevier, Ine. All Rights Reserved.