When hiring a caregiver for a loved one, families often seek someone who is compassionate, skilled, and reliable. Caregiving is a demanding role, requiring attention to the physical, emotional, and sometimes medical needs of those receiving care. However, it is vital for families to understand that caregivers must work within their scope of practice—the range of duties they are qualified to perform based on their training and certifications. This blog by Atlantic Caregiving explores the importance of caregivers to operate within their professional boundaries, the risks of them overstepping those limits, and how families can ensure safe and ethical care for their loved ones.
What Does “Scope of Practice” Mean for Caregivers?
The scope of practice defines what a caregiver is trained, certified, and legally allowed to do. This ensures that they work within their area of competence and do not attempt tasks requiring specialized skills or licensure.
For example:
- Non-medical caregivers: Typically assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship. Should be registered with the Bermuda Health Council (BHeC).
- Certified caregivers (e.g., Certified Nursing Assistants): May perform basic medical tasks like monitoring vital signs, non-complex wound care, or helping with prescribed exercises. Need to be certified by the Bermuda Midwifery and Nursing Council and preferably with BHeC.
- Licensed medical professionals: Such as Registered Nurses are required for advanced medical care, such as administering medications, complex wound care, or handling medical devices. Need to be licensed by the Bermuda Midwifery and Nursing Council and preferably with BHeC.
As a client or family member, it’s important to align your expectations with the caregiver’s qualifications to ensure that your loved one receives the appropriate level of care.
Why Scope of Practice Matters to Clients and Families
Hiring a caregiver who operates within their scope of practice isn’t just about following regulations—it directly impacts the quality and safety of care your loved one receives. Here are the key reasons why this is so important:
1. Protecting Your Loved One’s Safety
The safety of your loved one is paramount. Caregivers are trained to handle specific tasks, and asking them to go beyond their expertise can lead to mistakes. For example:
- An untrained caregiver might incorrectly administer medication, leading to an overdose or missed doses.
- Improperly assisting with mobility could cause injuries like falls or strains. By ensuring that caregivers only perform tasks they are qualified to do, families reduce the risk of harm and promote a safer caregiving environment.
2. Ensuring Quality of Care
When caregivers focus on tasks within their skill set, they can perform their duties with confidence and proficiency. On the other hand, if they are asked to take on roles they are not trained for, it can compromise the quality of care.
For instance, a caregiver trained in non-medical support might excel at providing companionship and personal care but lack the expertise to manage medical equipment or recognize warning signs of health issues.
Families can feel confident in the care their loved one is receiving when caregivers work within their
boundaries and coordinate with medical professionals for specialized tasks.
3. Maintaining Ethical Standards
Caregiving is a profession rooted in trust and ethics. When caregivers operate within their scope of practice, they uphold these values and demonstrate professionalism. This fosters a sense of trust between families, caregivers, and care recipients.
On the other hand, caregivers stepping outside their boundaries—intentionally or not—may jeopardize that trust. Families have the right to expect that their loved ones are cared for by individuals who respect their professional limits.
4. Protecting Families and Caregivers from Legal Risks
Families should be aware that caregivers who perform unauthorized tasks could face legal consequences if something goes wrong. In some cases, families might also bear responsibility for allowing or encouraging caregivers to exceed their scope of practice.
For example, asking an unlicensed caregiver to administer injections could lead to liability issues if complications arise. Ensuring that the caregiver adheres to their defined responsibilities protects everyone involved.
How Families Can Support Safe and Ethical Caregiving
As a client or family member, there are several steps you can take to ensure that caregivers operate within their scope of practice and that your loved one receives the best care possible:
1. Understand the Caregiver’s Role
Before hiring a caregiver, make sure you understand what they are qualified to do. Review their training, certifications, and the job description provided by the agency (if applicable).
For example:
- Non-medical caregivers are best suited for personal care and household support.
- Certified Nursing Assistants can handle some basic medical tasks, but anything requiring a licensed professional should be handled by a nurse.
- Knowing what to expect helps you set realistic boundaries and avoid asking caregivers to take on inappropriate tasks.
2. Ask for a Needs Assessment
If your loved one requires care beyond basic support, consider requesting a professional needs assessment. Atlantic Caregiving can evaluate your loved one’s situation and recommend the appropriate level of care.
This ensures that you hire the right type of caregiver—whether it’s a non-medical companion, a certified professional, or a licensed nurse.
3. Encourage Open Communication
Create an environment where caregivers feel comfortable voicing concerns if they are asked to perform tasks outside their scope of practice. Let them know that their honesty is appreciated and that your priority is your loved one’s safety.
For example, if a caregiver declines to administer medication, respect their boundaries and contact a licensed professional for assistance.
4. Collaborate with Healthcare Professionals
Caregiving often involves working alongside healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, or therapists. Encourage open communication between the caregiver and these professionals to ensure that medical tasks are handled appropriately.
For instance, the caregiver might observe changes in your loved one’s behavior or health and report these to the doctor, who can provide guidance on next steps.
With Atlantic Caregiving who will receive a care team including non-medical caregivers, Certified Nurse Assistants, Registered Nurses, and Specialist Registered Nurses. The Care Team will work closely with the client and the family to make sure all care is provided inside the caregivers’ scope of practice and make sure safe and high-quality care is provided.
5. Monitor and Evaluate Care
Regularly check in on the care your loved one is receiving. Observe interactions between the caregiver and your loved one, and ask for feedback from both parties. If you notice any concerns, address them promptly with the caregiver or agency. As a client of Atlantic Caregiving, you can follow your care on our Electronic Medical Record software.
You will be provided with a client login to follow your care.
What to Do If Care Needs Change
As your loved one’s health evolves, their care needs may change. A caregiver who was initially appropriate for companionship and basic support may no longer meet the demands of increased medical care.
When this happens, consider:
- Adjusting the Care Plan: Work with the agency or care team to revise the plan based on updated needs.
- Hiring Additional Support: Supplement the caregiver’s efforts with specialized professionals, such as visiting nurses. Work with the agency to find the best solutions.
Being proactive ensures that your loved one receives the right care at the right time.
For families, ensuring that a caregiver works within their scope of practice is about more than following rules—it’s about protecting the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of your loved one. Caregivers play an essential role in providing compassionate, professional support, but their responsibilities must align with their training and qualifications.
By understanding the caregiver’s role, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and staying vigilant about evolving care needs, families can ensure a safe and ethical caregiving experience. Ultimately, supporting caregivers in adhering to their scope of practice not only benefits your loved one but also builds a foundation of trust and mutual respect that strengthens the caregiving relationship.
Atlantic Caregiving is dedicated to providing the care and support you need. For more information about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our administrative team includes experienced registered nurses with a wide range of expertise, ensuring that you receive the care best suited to your individual needs. At Atlantic Caregiving, you can truly feel “Safe in Our Hands.”
