Your Right To Make Choices: Understanding The Duty Of Care & Dignity Of Risk
At Careseekers, we believe in empowering individuals to make informed choices about their life, while also ensuring that their safety and well-being are always protected. Workers on the Careseekers platform are expected to respect their clients' decisions and support them in living as independently as possible.
At Careseekers, we believe that every person has the right to take part in activities that matter to them, without being overly protected or restricted. Care and support workers are there to help their clients make these choices safely, but they should always respect their clients' right to decide what’s best for them.
What is Duty of Care?
While the right to make choices is important, safety is also a top priority. "Duty of Care" means that support workers have a responsibility to protect their clients from harm. They should recognise situations where their might be risk and take appropriate actions to keep their clients safe.
However, this doesn’t mean that support workers will make all the decisions for their clients. Instead, they will work with them to find a balance between enjoying their independence and ensuring their safety.
How We Balance These Principles
Finding the right balance between a client's right to make choices and their safety is key to how we provide support at Careseekers.
Care & support workers should:
- Provide their clients with all the information they need to make informed choices.
- Respect their decisions, even if they involve some level of risk.
- Take reasonable steps to ensure safety, without taking away a client's right to live their life as they choose.
- This means that care and support workers should always discuss the potential risks involved in any activity, so clients can make the best decision for themself.
A Client's Role in This Process
- We encourage clients to speak openly with their care or support workers about their goals, their preferences, and any concerns they may have. A client's input is vital to ensuring that the support ythey receive is tailored to their needs and respects their right to make choices about their life.
At Careseekers, we are committed to upholding dignity and independence while providing care and support individuals need. We are here to help individuals live the life they want, safely and with the respect they deserve.
To find disability support services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/disability-support-workers
To find aged care services, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/services/aged-care-workers
To become a care or support worker, please visit www.careseekers.com.au/carer
To make a referral, please visit https://www.careseekers.com.au/referrals
