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.
