Achieving mutual respect

Henry Maier

Today, let me share with you my reactions to a question recently posed to me. I have been asked whether or not residents should show respect for their care staff. In my opinion, I hope that the care staff deserves the residents' respect.

What do we mean by a demonstration of respect? I hope that we do not want to measure it by any prior codes of behavior, such as residents using established norms like “Mr. or Miss", or artificial questions such as “May I talk to you?".

Proper respect is indicated by a child's stating his or her concern openly with a worker who spontaneously listens. The child can then convey his or her question in plain friendly language.

Certain earlier prescribed behaviors cannot be used as measures of exhibiting proper respect. It is the culture of the staff's interactive behavior which actually determines the expression of respect.

I'm sure that if careworkers maintain the same quality of mutual respect with residents as they do in their interactions with their true friends and family members; then careworkers can hardly miss the mark.

Good cheers.