By Araceli Gaona
July 2016 | 2016 Summer Newsletter
‘Home’ is a word that evokes feelings of safety, security, and independence. Home is the place where we build precious memories and keep our treasured possessions. When you think about your belongings, you may not relate them to your health and safety. However, when something has been misplaced or has gone missing you may feel a sense of stress and anxiety – and these feelings can impact your physical and mental health.
To protect your home, maintain strict boundaries with the people you allow in, whether they are a family member, friend, neighbor, community member, or even your care provider. Your care provider is hired to help you with light house cleaning and personal care needs. They do not need access to every aspect of your life in order to perform their duties. It is important and healthy to maintain boundaries with your care provider and to keep to IHSS authorized tasks.
Following a few simple steps will help you protect your privacy and belongings. Limiting the access that visitors have to private papers and other confidential items in confined storage areas will protect you and reduce opportunities for dishonest behavior. You can define the boundaries and keep your belongings and personal information safe by following this guide:
- Do not leave valuables – including jewelry and important documents – in a clearly visible location. Store them away in a safe, secure place.
- Do not add your care provider’s name to savings, checking, or credit accounts.
- Stay aware of authorized task completion, phone usage, your medications, etc.
- Do not let your provider sign your name at any time.
- Ask for a receipt if you give cash to your provider to purchase something for you.
- Try not to get overly involved with your employee’s private life. Do not lend your care provider money or any of your possessions.
Lastly, remember that your relationship with your provider is a two-way street; they also need respect and privacy. When both parties know their roles and expectations, trust can be easily built over time.