Being a vegan or vegetarian is a choice, just as deciding that you want to have chicken or steak for dinner tonight. Sometimes, however, two different viewpoints, opinions, and desires can conflict with one another. It’s important to respect another person’s point of view as well as their desires, without letting your convictions be compromised.
If an elderly individual who requires home care services happens to be a vegetarian, and the in home care service provider is not, this situation should be readily resolved. The provider, who may likely be required to assist with cooking meals, should prepare or help prepare meals for the patient that comply with their lifestyle and choices, whether those choices are for personal or medical reasons.
But what about if the in home care provider is the one who is a vegetarian, or even a vegan? Where would their obligations end with regard to assisting with meals or sharing meals at the dining table? In other words, would you expect the worker to cook a meal that consisted of meat?
That may very well be the expectation, but what if the worker refuses to even touch meat or cook with anything that was derived from an animal, such as cheese or milk? This could very well become a serious situation. The simple solution may be to find a worker who will have no issues that would get in the way of a meal. But what if this in home care provider is the only one available at the time? What if this worker has a rapport with the patient, a trust that has been building up over time?
The solution may not be so clear cut. Perhaps the elderly patient had no problem making her own meals for the time that the provider had been working with her or living in the home providing care. However, now that the in home care provider is required to prepare the meals, there could be an issue.
The bottom line comes down to this: the homeowner, the patient, is the client and as such, the client’s needs should be addressed and met. No one would be requiring the care provider to change her beliefs, but if the patient is unable to cook her own meals, at least not without some help, then a change may be in order, no matter how well the caregiver and the patient get along.
Having convictions is fine, but when they interfere with the work that needs to be done, then there’s a problem. If you have any concerns of this nature, contact the home care services agency to address them. They may have the ideal solution.
For all of your home care services needs in Turnersville, NJ and the surrounding areas call and talk to us at Home to Stay Healthcare Solutions (856) 321-1500.
