Caregivers with the selection of a new Pope, we are reminded that we must be tolerant of others beliefs and religious rights. Caregivers are entrusted with a tremendous responsibility, while doing our best to meet the needs of our clients. Should the role of family caregiver be ours, we are probably well aware of the religious ceremony and circumstance which goes with our client. However, and this is especially true of paid caregivers if we don’t know what our client needs or wants in this part of their life, it is our responsibility to find out.
We (none of us) ever know when there will be a need to tap into this most private aspect of our life. Those of us in the caregiving field know it is our responsibility morally to know the wishes of our client and to facilitate meeting those wishes, should there be a necessity. This is a fundamental part of our client’s life, just as the celebration of holidays and the food to be eaten. The conversation with the client should never be one of anything than a caregiver acquiring knowledge. Caregivers do not have permission to provide unwanted counseling on religious beliefs. We can answer questions, but we must be the champion of our client.
Many a night I have returned home and prayed for my clients; I have asked that they feel the religious strength of their supreme being and that they practice their belief. We walk a very delicate line in this part of our work. And we can only support our client’s belief. We do not need to take part in their practice or convert to their belief to help them on their walk. We can when in our own home or place of worship ask they be look over.
Comments