This manual is for direct care staff who work with people who need support. It explains your job duties, how to care for people, safety rules, and how to work as a team. The information is written in simple language that is easy to understand. Below are the main sections about your role, client care, safety, communication, and problem-solving.
As direct care staff, you help people with daily activities and support their independence.
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Personal care | Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming |
| Meal assistance | Help with eating and drinking |
| Mobility support | Help with walking and moving around |
| Medication reminders | Help clients remember to take medicine |
| Activity support | Help with hobbies and social activities |
| Emotional support | Listen and provide comfort |
| Safety monitoring | Watch for hazards and risks |
| Record keeping | Write notes about care provided |
Every client has rights that must be respected at all times.
IMPORTANT! Always treat clients with respect and protect their privacy.
Follow these steps for daily client care.
REMEMBER! Follow each client's individual care plan for specific needs.
Good communication helps build trust with clients and team members.
With clients: Speak clearly, listen carefully, use simple words, be patient, watch body language.
With team: Share important information, ask questions when unsure, report concerns quickly, attend meetings, read communication logs.
Documentation: Write clear notes, use correct forms, include dates and times, sign your name.
Know what to do in different emergency situations.
IMPORTANT! Stay calm in emergencies and follow established procedures.
Accurate records are important for client care and legal protection.
RULE: If you didn't document it, you didn't do it.
Working well with others makes better care for clients.
Teamwork: Help coworkers when needed, share information, solve problems together, respect different opinions, cover shifts when possible.
Professionalism: Arrive on time, dress appropriately, follow policies, maintain boundaries, continue learning, accept feedback, keep personal life separate.
Use these steps when problems come up.
REMEMBER! Some problems need immediate supervisor help.
You have many resources to help you do your job well.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What if a client refuses care? | Respect their choice, document the refusal, and notify supervisor |
| How do I handle difficult behavior? | Stay calm, use de-escalation techniques, and get help if needed |
| What if I make a mistake? | Report it immediately to your supervisor and document what happened |
| Can I accept gifts from clients? | Check your agency policy - usually small gifts are okay but large ones are not |
| What if I'm running late? | Call your supervisor as soon as you know you'll be late |
| How do I prevent burnout? | Take breaks, use vacation time, talk to supervisor about stress |
Contact: Your supervisor is your main contact for questions and concerns.
Support: Remember you are part of a team - ask for help when needed.