Discusses patient rights, dignity and respect, the issue of privacy and caregiver rights.
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"Among the most important human needs is the desire for respect and dignity. That need doesn’t change when a person becomes ill or disabled. Indeed, it may grow even stronger."
"As caregivers, we must ensure each person is treated as an important and worthwhile individual."
- Caregivers Handbook, Washington State Department of Social & Health Services, 2001
• In the United States, the clients who need care are increasingly older, sicker, and able to do less and less for themselves.
• People do not give up their individual rights when they start receiving service or move into a residential facility. They have all the same rights as you do. You, as a caregiver, are an important person in your client's life. You may be the one that assists them in the activities of daily living that they are unable to do on their own. You also may actually spend more time with them than their doctor, case manager or even family members.
• As a caregiver, it is part of your job to make sure that your client's rights are protected, just as you would want someone to protect yours.
