ProvidersWeb's Care Giver Code of Ethics

Ethical beliefs are our own feelings about our moral values. Socrates said, "Moral philosophy is hard thought, about right action." The most common "right action" is doing to others what you would want done for you.

Moral Values
Each person needs to make the decision of what their philosophy of life is and what moral values are important to them. If you want to be in this business then you need to have a "helping philosophy" and you need to care. This is a care business, therefore caring is expected and required.

The first value is that of trust. You must value trustworthiness in order to be trustworthy. A Care Giver must establish a bond of trust with the Resident. Establishing trust can be achieved by providing the Resident with information. The Care Giver gives the information; the Resident gives the consent. This demonstrates what the Resident wants, what the Care Giver wants, and that you, the Care Giver trust the Resdent to make decisions about their own life. This method allows total responsiveness to the Resident's needs and autonomy (Self-Law). The Resident trusts the Care Giver, who in turn must trust the management. Part of giving care is treating the staff ethically.

The second value is that of love. We can allow ourselves to "love" our Residents. We can learn to love both the Resident and ourselves; it's a balance, which only can be achieved through the support of others in our lives. This love must be unconditional and say, "I will not reject you even if I disagree with you; I will always love you even if you don't do things my way."

ProvidersWeb's Care Giver Code of Ethics was designed to be a training tool for care and support staff. It was created with the cooperation of residents, assisted living staff, medical advisors, and others.

ProvidersWeb's Caregiver's Code of Ethics

Autonomy: It literally means "Self-Law". A good Care Giver understands the need for people to freely determine one's own course in life. The Care Giver will promote independence for each Resident, consider the Resident's individual values, and protect the Resident's right to self-determination by allowing the Resident the ability to express how he/she really feels. The Care Giver makes sure each Resident is being given choice of care.

Business: As the old saying goes, "The true reward of a thing well done is to have done it." A good Care Giver will be dedicated to performing high quality work, to educate his/her self by attending continuing educational classes, and to improving his/her professional growth, knowledge and skills to maintain competent care. The Care Giver shall use fair practices and not discriminate.

Complaint Handling: When a Resident has a complaint, the Care Giver shall acknowledge the problem, gather basic data, investigate the cause, form a solution (with the help of others if needed), respond to the Residents needs, and follow up to make sure the problem was handled in a manner that is satisfactory.

Consideration: A good Care Giver will be thoughtful of others. He/she will notify the Resident if an appointment or a promise cannot be kept. The Care Giver understands their duty to be compassionate, patient, and fair. The Care Giver will empower the Residents to decide or think for themselves.

Cooperation: A good Care Giver sincerely strives to maintain continuous and positive communications with each individual, group, and the community at large. The Care Giver will work diligently with the Resident and others to set goals, resolve issues, and plan for quality care. He/she will listen to others, and be clear when communicating. The Care Giver will let others know when they have been helpful.

Goodness: All those who serve agree to have a mission of goodness. A Care Giver must believe that goodness will prevail; that goodness is a virtue to seek after and develop. Spreading goodness will benefit the Resident's emotional, social and spiritual well being.
Happiness: Happiness and doing good facilitate each other. A good Care Giver listens to the Resident's preferences, provides information and choices, and assists where needed to insure participation. Good Care Givers take time to be kind and spread happiness.
Honesty: A good Care Giver must be honest with one's self and takes into effect one's actions on others. A good Care Giver lives life with integrity.

Individuality: The Care Giver must respect without prejudice the Resident's individual lifestyle, value system, and religious beliefs. A good Care Giver encourages others to live up to their individual capabilities and potentials. Dignity comes from recognizing the value of others contributions and accomplishments. We do not have to condone or agree with an individual's choice; we need to allow them to make choices according to their own value system.

Life: Life is precious, and to be treasured. Disease, disability, or functional status does not affect the worth of an individual. A Resident is always to be treated with the utmost kindness, and respect.

Non-Discrimination: A good Care Giver has the ability to treat everyone as an equal. A Care Giver will not judge someone else's personal, cultural or religious beliefs. All Residents are to be treated respectfully and given dignified care.

Protect: Good Care Givers ensure a responsible, safe and healthful environment. He/she protects the Resident's confidentiality and provides for physical privacy. The Care Giver will question unethical, illegal or incompetent practice. He/she shall monitor for appropriate level of care being provided and for uncontrolled endangering behaviors.

Rights: Rights entitle a person to do something without the interference from other people. Rights can also entitle a person to obligate others to do something positive for them. A good Care Giver remembers at all times the rights of privacy, individuality, freedom of religion, and freedom from discrimination.

Service: The good Care Giver provides dignified and quality care. The Care Giver will make sure he/she is competent in performing duties. If help is needed, he/she will not be afraid to ask for assistance. The Care Giver continuously will assess evolving personal care needs of the Resident. A good Care Giver is able to identify and utilize appropriate resources and other services for the benefit of the Resident. Care Givers empower others by sharing their knowledge, time, and talents. They believe in their own problem solving ability.

Spirit: Those in service nurture the spirit of each Resident. Good Care Givers have the ability to accept diverse spiritual beliefs. They promote the Resident's spiritual well being and they don't intrude upon a Resident's personal life.

Frequently review this Code of Ethics. No one is perfect. We should strive to learn from our mistakes, do the right thing, and know we are living a "helping philosophy". Accept compromise only to the degree that you can retain your integrity. As good Care Givers we shall advance the profession through goodness and ethics. We must endeavor to uphold these standards so that we may be respected as persons and as an industry.