Standards of Conduct and Ethics
Rules of Conduct
Most Rules of Conduct are common sense and involve treating clients with courtesy and consideration.
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put the client’s needs first;
maintain confidentiality;
respect the client’s right to privacy;
act responsibly at all times;
know and adhere to personal knowledge and skill limits;
respect the client as an individual;
show loyalty to clients, employer and colleagues;
stay within the legal limits of the role;
do not perform any unfamiliar functions; and,
avoid abusing substances
DO NOT USE CELL PHONE except for Emergencies or when taking a break (2-3x/day)while client is
resting.
Ethical Guidelines for Home Care Assistants
Ethics are a moral code which guides the members of the profession in the proper conduct of their duties
and obligations. They deal with behavior that is right or wrong and involve applying judgment and making
choices about what or what not to do Application of good ethics is not only expected of Home Care
Agencies and Home Care Assistants but is also an understood right of clients.
Standards for Developing a Code of Ethics When developing and applying a Code of Ethics, there are some
key standards that should be taken into account:
 to respect and uphold the values of the home care industry;
 to keep and safeguard a client’s basic rights which include:
 to look after the physical, emotional, spiritual, social, dietary and safety needs;
 to interact in a positive and honest manner;
 to respect human dignity by displaying respect, love and compassion;
 to be loyal and faithful;
 to avoid discriminatory and/or judgmental behavior; and,
 to do no harm.
 to act in a way that endorses confidence, faith and reverence in clients, staff, co-professionals and
the public;
 to comply with all legalities imposed by state, federal and municipal regulations;
 to maintain and respect professional and client confidences;
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to avoid participating in and spreading gossip; keeping your own personal issues to yourself.
to be personally and professionally honest at all times by dispensing accurate information and by
avoiding unscrupulous behaviors;
to avoid situations which could be perceived as “conflicts of interests” for personal gain;
to treat colleagues with respect and dignity;
to avoid harassment;
to practice good hygiene, grooming and health habits; and,
to show a positive “on-the job” attitude.
Work Ethics for Home Care Assistants
Work ethics deal with behavior in the workplace. Employees need to be aware of how their work
ethics affect others. Employers realize that good work ethics are something Home Care Assistants
must possess, as even the most skilled people cannot make up for productivity losses due to poor
work ethics. Technical skills alone are not enough to meet the employers’ requirements because
they know only too well the high costs of hiring, firing and replacing employees. Work ethics reflect
how Home Care Assistants conduct themselves on the job site and include:
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their appearance;
what they say;
how they behave;
how they treat others; and,
how they work with others.
The advantages of Home Care Assistants applying good work ethics are:
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They start their jobs knowing that their positive work ethic skills will increase their worth as
employees.
Employers hire employees with desirable work practices.
Ethical Behavioral Patterns and Attitudes
Home Care Assistants should strive to display the following qualities and characteristics:
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Conduct themselves in a professional manner and be a role model for good work ethics. Home Care
Assistants should be depended on to act in this manner and set an example.
KEEP YOUR PERSONAL AFFAIRS TO YOURSELF. Including never discussing/comparing personal
wages with other caregivers.
Be aware of their personal strengths, weaknesses and feelings. By understanding themselves, HCSP
can better understand their clients and thus provide enhanced care.
Have a good and positive attitude.
Be pleasant on the job site.
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Display appropriate verbal and non verbal skills.
Keep moodiness, bad temper and unhappiness out of their demeanor.
Report to work every shift on time, begin delegated duties immediately and work continuously
except for scheduled breaks. Keep all obligations and promises.
Complete tasks in the expected timeframe, combine tasks for greatest effectiveness and avoid idle
time (e.g. unscheduled breaks)
Ensure their quality of work is of high standard and do not expect anything but the best from
themselves.
Be cooperative by displaying leadership skills and maintaining appropriate relationships with other
staff.
Work the full hour and seek additional tasks, if assigned work is completed sooner than predicted.
Be considerate to clients, families, friends, colleagues and professionals.
Display loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness, dependability, reliability, initiative, self-responsibility and
self-discipline.
Respect the rights of others.
Be a cooperative and participative team member.
Deal appropriately with diversity and treat everyone with respect.
Look at things from another’s perspective and be empathetic towards their thoughts and feelings.
Conform to all safety regulations for their and other’s protection.
Keep information confidential and don’t “chit-chat” (i.e. gossip) about the affairs of others.
Avoid criticizing or denouncing others because their beliefs and values may differ – respect them for
their individuality.
Be polite and courteous to clients, families, friends, colleagues and professionals.
Follow instructions “to the tee” and utilize all their knowledge and skills – give their best efforts at
all times.
Realize and admit to errors – try to learn from the experience and avoid making the same mistake(s)
again.
Show good organizational skills in managing themselves, in time management, in prioritizing, in
flexibility, in stress management and in the ability to deal with change.
Be truthful and accurate about care given, clients’ progress, and events that occurred or did not
occur.
Avoid complaining and negativity. Your top priority is your client! (NOT YOU)
Work cooperatively to achieve goals and willingly help and support others. “Go the extra mile”
during stressful and/or difficult times.
Compliment others work and participate actively in the Care Team’s endeavors.
Be enthusiastic, excited and interested in their work.
Display appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene and etiquette.
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Discouraged Practices
Telephone Usage
Home Care Assistants should not use the client’s phone for personal calls, unless an emergency occurs. Use
the phone only with the client’s permission.
Gift Acceptance
As a general rule Home Care Assistants should not accept gifts from a client or give gifts to a client. In
special circumstances an allowance may be made depending on approval from Management.
Financial/Property Pursuits
 Borrowing and lending money:
Money must not be lent to clients nor borrowed from clients.
 Buying and selling goods:
Must not be sold to or bought from clients.
 Wills:
Home Care Assistants and their immediate family must not be a beneficiary of a will and must not
be a witness to, or an executor of a will OR named as a trustee for a client’s trust.
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Image and Self Care Responsibilities
In addition to practicing good work ethics, it is important that Home Care Assistants take
responsibility for their image and self care by:
presenting and acting professionally;
practicing good personal hygiene measures; and,
striving for good mental and physical.
Professionalism
Professionalism involves caring about clients, self and others while maintaining personal and
industry standards and values. There are many characteristics, which define professionalism
including maturity, reliability, integrity, honesty, responsibility, accountability, and compassion.
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Professionalism involves:
producing quality work;
being on time for work and other activities;
being an active and involved Team Player,
maintaining appropriate attire and hygiene;
applying appropriate conduct and being attentive;
showing respect to clients, families, co-workers/co-professionals and people in general;
accepting feedback in a mature manner;
accepting responsibility for inappropriate behaviors and making appropriate changes; and,
doing what is promised; and,
being willing to examine personal strengths, weaknesses and biases.
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NEVER discussing or asking about client invoices or agency billing practices with clients or their
families or with other caregivers.
Personal Hygiene
Hygiene is the act of promoting health through personal cleanliness. Hygiene activities include:
 bathing/showering;
 performing oral care;
 cleaning and maintaining fingernails and toenails;
 shampooing and grooming hair; and,
 shaving.
Hygiene can also apply to the care and maintenance of assistive devices such as eyeglasses and hearing aids
to ensure proper functioning. Hygiene practices and needs can differ according to:
 age;
 inherited characteristics of the skin and hair;
 cultural values; and,
 state of health.
Good health and hygiene practices make a person feel and look good.
Home Care Assistants must pay careful attention to their personal cleanliness.
They can do this by:
 preventing body odors by bathing and using a deodorant;
 brushing teeth after eating and using a mouthwash;
 shampooing hair frequently and styling it sensibly;
 keeping fingernails clipped and clean;
 changing sanitary napkins or tampons frequently; and,
 providing foot care (bathing and manicures) to themselves to prevent odors and infection
Mental and Physical Health
Unless Home Care Assistants are in good physical and mental health they cannot function at the peak of
their abilities. They require physical stamina and mental fortitude and stability. Home Care Assistants can
attain and maintain their optimum functioning level by applying good physical and mental health measures
involving:
 nutrition
 exercise;
 body mechanics;
 sleep and rest;
 alcohol and/or substance abuse;
 smoking;
 hearing and vision; and,
 mental health
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