Poverty

• Offer the person your arm, as you would be ushered.

• Identify steps/obstacles in the path.

• Avoid glare, poorly lighted areas.

• Communicate your willingness to help.

• Face the person to speak.

• Lower the pitch of your voice.

• Speak clearly and at a moderate rate. Do not over-articulate.

• Watch the expressions of the listener’s face and note when the words are not caught.

• If the person has one good ear, sit closer to that ear.

• If necessary, take along a note pad to use in order to help you communicate.

• The greatest gift that you will ever give the person you visit is your presence. This tells them that you care about them and that spending time with them is something you want and like to do.

• If you feel comfortable, be generous with your touch--it may be the only touch that person will receive that day

• Actively listen and be empathetic; share yourself--describe your world to your care receiver.

• Allow them to handle just as much as they can without interference. Do not rush in to do it for them; everyone needs the feeling of accomplishment.

• You do not need to have all of the answers, so feel secure in saying, “I don’t know”, “I’m not sure”, or “I’ll have to find out”.

• Never become involved beyond your capabilities…both physically and/or emotionally.

• Many elderly and disabled individuals have health-related issues; therefore, one should check with the client to see if there are any dietary concerns prior to providing sweets, soda, etc.

• Always allow enough time. Because our clients are frail, elderly and disabled, many require additional time to navigate themselves. Weather conditions can also affect the duration of time.

• Once you give your telephone number out, you cannot take it back. Do not give out your phone number to clients (pressing *67 will block your number from being displayed on “caller ID” units)

All information on this page is provided by The CareGivers, Inc.

• Move slowly and deliberately, asking how you can assist.

• Ask how you can best assist them getting in and out of a chair or the car.

• Avoid sudden changes in motion or direction.

• Communicate your willingness to help.

• Limit physical activity – climbing steps, walking far.

• Avoid open windows, fumes, smoking.