Chapter

The Role of the

Worker

port work. Most of these boxes discuss how to Lo,. the person's Dignity, Independe Preferences, Privacy, and Safety. The DIPPS reminds you of these five priorities'

NHCISISN MA,KIT{G AT{D PRSBTHM SCILVING

You make many decisions in the course of work day. For example, you estimate the time task will take and plan the best way to your work on dme. Many decisions involve
problems.

Figure 1-7 A client talks privately on a telephone

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from hann. Clients need to live in an environment that is as hazard-free as possiTb be safe
ble. They also need to feel secure about the care

tVhen solving problems, consider the

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uorb' Solutior p.obL-, should not compromise the fiw

The pri.ori.ties of suptport

provided.

\(hen well and able-bodied, most people take the fulfillment of the five needs listed above for granted. \(hen they become disabled or suffer a
Lrious illness, however, these needs may be more difficult to fulfill. Those who rely on others for personal care may worry about losing their dignity' They may not feel free to express their wishes' For example,-clients living in long-term care facilities *ry 1i".,. to eat what is provided and socialize only at prearranged times. \7hen they live in a facility sh"r. a room with another client, they may "rrJ find that private moments are rare' Safety concerns ar. s.rious issues in the lives of clients who are ill and disabled. For example, they may worry about reaching the bathroom without falling' clients who are ill and disabled have the Not "lt same needs. However, most have at least some of the needs just discussed. To help you recognize these needs, Prouiding Compassionatu Care boxes throughout the text discuss the priorities of sup-

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orities of support work: dignitY, i preferences, Priva.cY, and safetY' The cli.mt's aieutpoint.Involve clients in ing problems that concern them. problem from the clientt perspective-' Your scope of practice. Lexn and ot rules of your workPlace. Know the your 'Yourrole. superuisor's uieupoinf' Decide problem is one that You can handle m own or one that your supervlsor dle. Your supervisor should provide gd about which problems You can deal youf own.

Decision making and problem solving cial to your role but are often difficult when new to the job. To helP You with tht F solving process, this text includes bon Supp ort Wo rk ers S o luing Pro b lems' These fu .rrt .*"-pl.s of problems faced by support and how the problems were solved'