Professional Boundaries
Some clients rely on carers for comprehensive support and may sometimes forget that a Disability Support Worker is there in a professional capacity with a specific role to perform as part of Lifestyle Centred Services (LCS). It’s important to maintain professional boundaries in all interactions, ensuring that the focus remains on the client’s needs and well-being. Please be mindful of the following guidelines when representing LCS:
- Keep personal matters separate: Do not discuss personal issues with clients or their carers. The professional relationship is centered on support, not personal matters.
- Limit personal contact details: Do not share personal contact information (such as home or mobile phone numbers) with clients or their carers unless specifically authorized by management.
- Respect communication boundaries: It is not appropriate for relationships or social interactions to develop through electronic communication (e.g., SMS, email, or social media) between staff, clients, or their families. Please ensure that all communications are directed through the client’s Service Coordinator.
- Stay within scheduled hours: Do not visit a client’s home outside of your scheduled shifts.
- Declare existing relationships: If you have a pre-existing social relationship with a client (e.g., acquaintance, friend, relative), please inform LCS. We will handle this information with confidentiality and share it only on a need-to-know basis.
- Seek support if needed: If you ever feel uncomfortable or encounter a situation that challenges professional boundaries, please reach out to your management team for guidance. We are available 24/7 to provide assistance and advice. Contact us at (03) 9483 4755.”