Good old-fashion manners are essential when working in the elder care
industry.
The average age group of a senior receiving direct services or care directly
is from 78 to 86. Typically, this is a widowed woman. In her generation, manners
reflected respect and honor, for oneself and for others. There were definite
‘do’s and don’ts’
Practicing good manners will go a long way toward creating an overall
atmosphere of mutual trust and respect in your work place. This in turns creates
a more pleasant working environment for every employee. An employee that feels
respected translates in to higher employee retention. A senior client that feels
respected translates in to higher client retention.
My pet peeve is the acceptance of a lower standard of treatment based on low
income, race, and lower education. Do you treat a wealthy senior with more
respect than a low-income senior? Do you treat your cleaning staff with less
respect than your administrator? Do you treat those that are different from your
skin color or ethnic background with less concern than you do those that are
just like you?
Take a few moments during the day, observe your staff interacting with one
another, and then observe the interaction your staff displays when working with
your elderly clients or how they greet visitors to your place of business. You
may find that the lack of good old-fashion manners is the root cause for poor
employee relations and for unhappy seniors.
Working within the elder care industry is not for everyone. You genuinely
must love older adults. Your sincerity and concern for our elderly will come
across and good manners will not only make the senior feel wanted and respected,
but it will make your day far more rewarding.
The Essentials to Good Manner Skills -
1. Lead by example: If you are attempting to bring good manners in to your
workplace – you must first do what you ask of your employees.
This is an excerpt on Good Manners 101 – Continue reading at
http://www.qualityeldercare.com/manners.html