What should a personal support worker do to appropriately get to know a new client?

To effectively get to know a new client, reviewing the care plan is essential. The care plan provides detailed information about the client's medical history, preferences, and specific needs tailored to their circumstances. This document is developed through a collaborative process involving healthcare professionals and often includes input from the client and their family, ensuring that the information is relevant and personalized.

By consulting the care plan, a personal support worker gains valuable insights that help build rapport with the client. This understanding forms the foundation for establishing trust and enables the PSW to provide care that aligns with the client's expectations and needs. It facilitates communication, allowing the PSW to engage the client more appropriately and respond to their individualized requirements from the very beginning of the relationship.

In contrast, other options may not fully capture the essential nuances of getting to know a new client. Making rapid assessments of needs may lead to oversights; following past procedures strictly might neglect the unique aspects of the new client's situation, and relying solely on standardized questioning methods does not allow for the flexibility necessary to truly understand the client's preferences and personality.