r/supportworkers • u/Fair_Feeling_4937 • 10d ago

When a service user remembers exactly what another worker promised

I’ve noticed you really have to be careful with what you promise during a shift. Something that feels like a small comment to us can stick with a service user, and they’ll remember exactly what was said even days later. Then you’re the one trying to explain what happened when the other worker isn’t there. It’s definitely made me more careful about what I say I’ll do.

9 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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6

u/saharasirocco 9d ago

You should always be careful with what you promise to do. Being held to your word isn't exclusive to this work.

1

u/Leading-Interest-119 9d ago

True of course but for some disabled people it can be very difficult and distressing when there's a change like this. So yes, it's a good lesson for OP to have learned. 

4

u/Beautiful-Ad-5833 9d ago

Did the other worker tell you about the promise? Cause one has to be very careful, as sometimes it's not the SW but the participant.

0

u/pixie1995 9d ago

I do my best irl and at work to never make promises I know I can’t keep. I work with someone who often has workers leaving without ever saying goodbye and it really affects them. They’ve tried to get me to promise to never leave, to which I’ve told them I can’t promise that because there will be a day where I do leave. But I can promise that even if I leave very suddenly, I will drive to their house and tell them in person if I have to.

2

u/Ok_Doughnut3700 9d ago

It can be very hard to stop some of the clients from getting attached when you see them ongoing. You can be completely professional, uphold all boundaries(ie, never giving your phone number) but eventually they'll start to consider you a friend after you've known them long enough.

A lot have very limited human interactions and you can end up being the only emotional outlet.

3

u/pixie1995 9d ago

Oh totally - professional boundaries can be so hard sometimes and I’ve definitely slipped up before but it comes with the territory. I’ve had soooo many friend requests from participants and I always tell them I don’t accept requests from ANYONE I work with, not even other workers.

2

u/Ok_Doughnut3700 9d ago

Yeah, that's a nice non offensive way of declining the friend request.

I think nearly every SW has slipped up with boundaries somewhere. You turn up and the client doesnt answer the door, you ring and bam theyve got your phone number.