By Araceli Gaona
April 2016 | 2016 Spring Newsletter
As an IHSS consumer, you are an employer which means you have a responsibility to set an appropriate tone for your work environment. To set a professional tone, you must maintain clear boundaries with your IHSS Independent Provider (IP).
It’s easy to blur the lines between ‘boss’ and ‘buddy,’ especially when working in a home setting. When these lines get blurred, it becomes difficult to differentiate appropriate behavior from situations that may be inappropriate. For example, it’s not appropriate for you – the consumer – to ask an IP to lend you money; to ask an IP to buy groceries or meals for you with their own
money; or even to do your laundry in their home. These behaviors cross professional boundaries.
The role of your IP is limited to that of a caregiver: to assist you with household chores and personal care needs. The IP will not be paid for time and resources spent on tasks that are not authorized by IHSS.
It may feel like these requests are harmless, and if your IP is also a friend, they may help out with these situations. However, these requests are not appropriate in a professional relationship. You are the boss in your relationship with your IP. No boss should ask their employee to lend them money or ask an IP to use their own resources to complete a work-related task.
The reverse is also true. In no circumstance should your IP ask to borrow money from you. Do not lend money to your IP or offer them monetary compensation as a ‘bonus’ for their hard work. Kindness and a simple “thank you” will be enough.
As the consumer, you need to appropriately handle money when your IP shops for you. If an IP is making a purchase for you, your money must be used in the transaction. It is recommended that you record how much money was given to the IP and collect all receipts and any change remaining. You can track this information by using a log book, a note pad, or a shopping receipt log.
Above all, remember these suggestions are being provided to help you maintain a clear, professional boundary with your care provider and avoid unpleasant situations. If you have more questions about this topic, or wish to obtain a shopping receipt log, please call the Public Authority Registry: (408) 350-3251.
As an IHSS consumer, you are an employer which means you have a responsibility to set an appropriate tone for your work environment. To set a professional tone, you must maintain clear boundaries with your IHSS Independent Provider (IP).
It’s easy to blur the lines between ‘boss’ and ‘buddy,’ especially when working in a home setting. When these lines get blurred, it becomes difficult to differentiate appropriate behavior from situations that may be inappropriate. For example, it’s not appropriate for you – the consumer – to ask an IP to lend you money; to ask an IP to buy groceries or meals for you with their own money; or even to do your laundry in their home. These behaviors cross professional boundaries.
The role of your IP is limited to that of a caregiver: to assist you with household chores and personal care needs. The IP will not be paid for time and resources spent on tasks that are not authorized by IHSS.
It may feel like these requests are harmless, and if your IP is also a friend, they may help out with these situations. However, these requests are not appropriate in a professional relationship. You are the boss in your relationship with your IP. No boss should ask their employee to lend them money or ask an IP to use their own resources to complete a work-related task.
The reverse is also true. In no circumstance should your IP ask to borrow money from you. Do not lend money to your IP or offer them monetary compensation as a ‘bonus’ for their hard work. Kindness and a simple “thank you” will be enough.
As the consumer, you need to appropriately handle money when your IP shops for you. If an IP is making a purchase for you, your money must be used in the transaction. It is recommended that you record how much money was given to the IP and collect all receipts and any change remaining. You can track this information by using a log book, a note pad, or a shopping receipt log.
Above all, remember these suggestions are being provided to help you maintain a clear, professional boundary with your care provider and avoid unpleasant situations. If you have more questions about this topic, or wish to obtain a shopping receipt log, please call the Public Authority Registry: (408) 350-3251.