The Ethical Dilemma of Working While Sick in Assisted Living

In the world of serving guests and patrons, whether in a restaurant or an assisted living facility, every employee's commitment to their job and their co-workers is critical. However, what happens when one of the servers falls ill, and the facility is already operating with a smaller-than-desired staff? This article explores the ethical and practical considerations of working when sick in an assisted living place, with a focus on the well-being of both employees and residents.

Staffing Shortages in Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities are particularly vulnerable to staffing shortages. These facilities rely heavily on a well-organized schedule to ensure that visitors, residents, and staff have the necessary care. If a server is absent due to illness, it can lead to understaffing, potentially compromising the quality of care for the elderly residents and other visitors.

Many facilities will turn to temp services with trained staff to fill in the gaps. This ensures continuity of care, but it also underscores the importance of proper planning and employee communication. Temp services can provide much-needed support, but good communication and clear policies are essential to maintain a smooth workflow.

The Duty to Call in Sicks

When a server falls ill, they often face a common dilemma: should they or should they not come to work, even if it means putting themselves and others at risk? Traditional restaurant practices often involve calling off-duty servers to cover the shifts. While this can effectively maintain staffing levels, it also creates a culture of sacrifice, where employees feel a sense of guilt for not coming in.

It's crucial to recognize that the decision to work while ill should not be based on guilt but on the potential risk to oneself and others. Working when sick can have serious implications, especially in an environment where residents have weakened immune systems and are highly vulnerable to infections. The health and safety of residents should always be the priority.

Personal Responsibility over GUILT

While it's important to take personal responsibility and make the right choice for your own health, it's equally important to address the underlying issue. Addressing the feelings of guilt associated with calling in sick can start with a simple shift in mindset. Understanding that food service places, especially those in the assisted living sector, are regularly short-staffed and still manage to provide excellent care can help ease some of the guilt.

Worries about making your shift and missing out on opportunities can be replaced with a positive attitude. Remember, staying home when you're sick often leads to more tips and better health outcomes in the long run. Moreover, the shifts you miss will likely turn out to be among those you and your colleagues bond over and laugh about later.

Protecting Vulnerable Residents

Assisted living facilities are home to many elderly residents with weak immune systems who are more susceptible to infections. Consequently, if a frontline worker comes to work while sick, it can have severe consequences for the residents. The potential to bring in viruses or bacteria can be devastating. This is not a situation of mere inconvenience but a matter of life and death.

Reputable companies understand the importance of employee health and have policies in place to discourage sick workers from coming to work. Any company that encourages or pressures employees to work when they are ill should be reported. The well-being of employees and residents depends on a culture of health and safety, where everyone is responsible for staying home when sick.

Conclusion

Working as a server in an assisted living facility requires a high degree of compassion, professionalism, and concern for the well-being of others. While it's understandable to feel a sense of responsibility to cover shifts, the focus should be on the health and safety of both the employees and the residents. By staying home when sick, server can make a significant contribution to the overall care and safety of the community. While staffing challenges are inevitable in any industry, taking ownership of your health and the health of those around you is a critical aspect of sustainable and ethical work practices.