Question

What can a support worker do to ensure the person they support has a smoke alarm in their home?

Describe two ethical dilemmas a support worker may have to deal with.

Identify the legislative instrument a worker must adhere to in maintaining the confidentiality of a person with support needs.

Answer 1

1)What can a support worker do to ensure the person they support has a smoke alarm in their home?

Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin,

-a loud, ear-piercing siren will be heard

. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace thebatteries.

2)Describe two ethical dilemmas a support worker may have to deal with.

Relationship

When working with service users on a regular basis and as closer relationships form, there is the potential for boundaries to blur. The service users come to see and trust the worker as a friend and may rely on them for their social needs. It is essential that you maintain a professional relationship with the person you support and seek avenues for them to receive appropriate social support.

If service users and their families develop a strong relationship with support workers, they may extend invitations to significant social events or celebrations. You should maintain a professional relationship at all times and politely decline or discourage such invitations, unless attending is a part of your job role.You may sometimes be offered generous gifts, money or, in some cases, be nominated as the beneficiary of a person’s will.

Gifts

While accepting a small token of gratitude, such as a box of chocolates for Christmas, may be a harmless occurrence  

– accepting gifts, money, a loan or benefiting from a will is strictly prohibited under codes of conduct for community services workers. You are obliged to report and record any gifts you receive from a person you support.

3) Identify the legislative instrument a worker must adhere to in maintaining the confidentiality of a person with support needs.

--privacy

- keep the standard of occupational ideals and principles