Open communication is very necessary in making sure your home is a good work environment for your attendant(s). People appreciate being told when they are doing a good job and also having a clear understanding of your expectations of them.

1. Treat your employee as you would like to be treated. Be fair and kind, and respect your employee's privacy.
   
   
2. Be clear and specific about your expectations. Discuss and write down tasks and policies (telephone use, time off, replacements, notice of termination, social behavior).
   
   
3. Give clear instructions. When a worker does not know how to do a requested task either you, a family member or a friend should demonstrate what is desired. Then ask your employee to show you how she would perform the same task.
   
   
4. Give praise for a job well done. People like to be appreciated.
   
   
5. Give criticism constructively. Describe the situation or event that was problematic and make a suggestion for improvement. It is often better to give praise first and then follow with criticism.
   
   
6. Use criticism as a tool to share information that will help the home care worker do the job well. Give criticisms as soon as possible after the problem occurs. Don't let small irritations build up!
   
   
7. Set aside time on a regular basis to meet with your attendant to discuss the job.
   
   
8. Analyze whether the attendant is generally unsatisfactory or whether a specific task is performed unsatisfactorily. Then address whether or not you will spend your time, energy and resources helping the attendant learn or whether you will spend your time and energy to replace your attendant.
   
   
9. Be aware that people from a different cultural background than you may have a different communication style than you do. Behavior that may appear rude to you may simply reflect cultural differences.