We’re introducing a new series called “Catch of the Month” which will highlight the observant and detail-oriented excellence of our staff. These stories will showcase staff members who have spotted risk-related issues, as well as lessons that can be learned from these situations.
April Showcase: Reporting Unusual Behaviour
On April 12, PSW Sagi N. arrived for her client visit and noticed that her client seemed confused as to who she was and why she was there. Sagi also saw that her client’s medication supply was empty.
Sagi recognized that this could potentially turn in to a risk event and called the office right away to report the incident. The client’s daughter was notified and promised to visit her mom that same day to sort out the medication mishap. Thanks to Sagi’s alertness and proactive steps, the client is now doing well.
Lessons Learned
Always be alert and report any unusual behavior your client may be exhibiting to the office. No harm can be done, but a risk event could potentially be avoided!
May Showcase: Spotting Potential Abuse
On May 13, PSW Roqibul A. noticed that there was a cloth rope tied to the end of the client’s bed at a group home, and called the office to report the incident. He recognized that this could be a potential elder abuse situation.
CSS Jane Y. followed up on this report and learned that the client is oftentimes aggressive and violent when care is being provided. Jane ensured that the group home knew that the family had to sign off on any restraints being used, and arranged so that any PSWs coming to provide care would be provided support by the group home staff.
Lessons Learned
Beyond observing the physical behaviours of a client, it’s also important to observe the environment – consider the objects in the room that could indicate a potential abusive situation.
June Showcase: Identifying a Client in Distress
On June 3, Social Worker Olga F. had an initial assessment with a client over the phone and noticed that the client was in great distress. She had just lost her mother the week before and was grieving, was in great financial need and had no other family or social support. The client was very weak as she could not eat and keep down food, and did not even have enough money for juice. The client had later tried reaching out to Meals on Wheels to request Ensure be delivered to her home.
Olga reached out to her supervisor to discuss this client and quickly completed an emergency meals form requesting Ensure. She picked up the Ensure from Baycrest and went to drop it off at the client’s house and conduct a safety check.
Lessons Learned
In situations where a client is in distress, empathy must be demonstrated and it is important to listen to the client because they can guide you in helping with what is most significant to them in that moment. It is important to always pay close attention to how the client Acts, Looks, Copes (ALC), particularly to unusual or strange behaviours. Circle of Care offers a number of services and has partnerships with other organizations that can be used to try to support all client needs – if you ever think a client needs more support, please reach out to your CSS right away.