Code of Conduct
The Care4giver code of conduct exists as a necessary guideline for clients (sometimes called care seekers) and caregivers to have a common standard and understanding of how the interactions should happen. It establishes the standard by which all need to be treated and ensures a good, productive and long relationship between all involved. Non respect of these standards could lead to the loss of privilege of using the C4G platform while serious problems may even lead to authorities seizing the matter as it would be expected to happen in any professional setting.
For Caregivers
Respect and dignity
All careseekers and their loved ones are expected to be treated with respect and dignity. By doing so, you are encouraging a healthy, open relationship, one that will facilitate and make your job more pleasant.
- Sensitivities to culture and religion, being mindful of different backgrounds and needs.
- Safe and ethical care, free from discrimination, abuse, exploitation.
- Ensure consent is given by the care seeker for the care and support you are providing
Professionalism
When you are hired for a job, a certain competence and skill is expected. The manner in which you conduct yourself and interact with the client will reflect on your service and future bookings.
- Act in the best interest of the careseeker and loved-one at all times.
- Report to the proper authorities, any concerns you may have.
- Provide a report (health card) after each visit to update the careseeker on their loved one, even if there is not much to say, a simple note of reassurance goes a long way.
- Keep written records and detailed notes if a situation occurs.
- Provide all documentation of background checks, vulnerable sector checks as well as credentials such as First Aid certifications.
- Review the loved ones’ file prior to visit and have emergency contact information on hand and accessible.
Ethics
Good working ethics when providing a service includes honesty, quality of work as well as accountability. Certain measures are out in place that provide a degree of comfort and security for the loved one and their family that need to be respected at all times.
- Information regarding qualifications, training, certifications cannot be misrepresented
- Communication with the care seekers or other persons should be made accessible and available during service sessions, whether it be by phone, video chat or messaging.
- Any camera or other security equipment should not be manipulated in any way.
- Do not provide care or support while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Act in accordance with the Terms of Service of the Care4Giver platform.
Conflicts of interest and financial exploitation
Financial transactions are done solely through the Care4Giver platform. There will be no monetary exchange between the caregiver and the careseeker.
- You are NOT to exploit the care seeker or patient/loved one financially, this includes accepting gifts, asking for a loan or favors of a similar nature. If such a situation occurs whereby a gift is offered by the loved one, it is the caregiver’s responsibility to ensure that the careseeker is notified and is mentioned in a report.
- Any sexual or inappropriate behavior is completely forbidden with the patient or the careseeker.
Health and Safety
Confidentiality of any personal and health related information on the careseeker or loved one is covered in the Terms of Service of the C4G platform and must be respected at all times, without exception, other than by the proper authorities.
Privacy includes:
- Name and address of careseeker and loved one
- Medical records
- Financial information of the careseeker or loved one
- Any information shared with you in confidence and stated by the careseeker or loved one
- Information covered under the privacy legislation around health records including the Privacy Act of the territory you are covering.
For Clients (Care Seekers)
Respect and dignity
All caregivers and other service providers are expected to be treated with respect and dignity. By doing so, you are encouraging a healthy, open relationship, one that will facilitate and encourage a better quality of service.
- Treat the caregivers and service providers with respect and dignity
- Be respectful with regards to culture, religion and background
- Receive care and support without discrimination, harassment, abuse or exploitation.
Ethics
All caregivers and other service providers are expected to be treated with respect and dignity. By doing so, you are encouraging a healthy, open relationship, one that will facilitate and encourage a better quality of service.
- Act ethically and honestly at all times- prior, during and after the service has been provided
- Care seekers and the loved should not be under the influence of alcohol or unlawful substances while communicating with the caregiver or receiving the care
- Act in accordance with the Terms of Service of the Care4Giver platform.
Conflicts of interest and financial exploitation
- Financial exploitation is strictly forbidden and will result in being banned from the site and possibly prosecuted by the authorities.
- Engaging in behavior of a sexual nature or other inappropriate (physical or emotional) behavior is strictly forbidden and will result in getting banned from C4G and in legal action by the authorities
- Soliciting the caregiver or other service providers outside of the platform will result in being removed from the platform immediately and permanently.
Health and Safety
The key focus is for the best possible care to be provided for your loved one, in a safe manner for all parties involved.
- If your loved one is sick or unable to receive care, the careseeker needs to notify the caregiver or provider of service immediately. (Please read the Cancellation Policy carefully)
- Act with due diligence with regards to all parties involved.
- Always identify yourself properly and fill out the forms properly, honestly and with as much detail to ensure that the caregiver will have the necessary information to perform the job.If your client is showing irritability or the onset of aggressive behaviour, contact the careseeker or someone on the list of emergency contacts immediately.
- Ensure the safety of the loved one as much as possible without endangering your well-being.
Note: Careseeker and Caregivers (including all service providers) are expected to provide ratings and reviews based on their experience of the service provided. This is essential in building effective and reliable evaluation tools for all.