Caring for our employees in the workplace

Ensuring workplace safety
is a unique challenge for
in-home care providers.

The pending resignation of our mayor here in San Diego has made national headlines of late. It's been the source of many jokes and some public embarrassment, but also provides an opportunity to reflect on the need to protect and care for our employees in their workplaces. The allegations being made against Bob Filner paint the picture of a manager who ran an office filled with fear, intimidation, and harassment. At Elder Care Guides, we are committed to a work environment that is safe, secure, and free of unlawful harassment or discrimination. As an employer of many clinicians and hands-on care providers who work in private homes, we face a unique challenge in ensuring that we’re providing a safe and positive work environment. The Care Manager plays a key role in assessing the home and addressing any potential safety concerns that may put either the client or the caregiver employee at risk. Clients with advanced dementia or serious mental illness occasionally exhibit difficult behaviors, and even a well-trained and experienced caregiver can benefit from the 24/7 availability of the Care Manager, to whom they can reach out for support and guidance.

Our obligations to our employees run far deeper than just providing a safe and secure workplace. We believe that employees who understand and utilize their personal strengths are fundamental to our success, and that their full engagement enhances the services we provide. When we are making a “match” between our caregiver employees and the clients that we serve, we are paying close attention to the strengths and personalities of both. It brings tremendous satisfaction to help a client find that “just right” caregiver, and it’s even more gratifying when we’ve also done the same for our employee.