In the context of the support of dependent or vulnerable persons, the relationship between the caregiver and the person being assisted is central. At the heart of this relationship is a fundamental element: trust. Whether in a professional setting, such as home care or hospital caregivers, or in a family setting, building and maintaining trust is essential to ensuring effective, respectful and fulfilling care.

Trust, a foundation for quality support
Trust is the pillar that allows the person helped to feel safe and heard. When the person is confident in their caregiving, they are more likely to express their needs, concerns and feelings. This climate of trust encourages open communication, avoiding misunderstandings or frustrations. In such a setting, the person helped feels respected and valued, two elements crucial for their psychological well-being.

For the caregiver, mutual trust is also paramount. It allows her to work in an environment where her efforts are recognized, and it strengthens her motivation to provide the best possible care. Without this trust, the caregiver may feel that they are not effective or undervalued, which can affect the quality of the support.

Confidence as a driving force for autonomy
The relationship of trust can also allow the assisted person to regain or maintain some form of autonomy. When she is confident that the caregiver respects her limits, pace and wishes, she is more likely to take initiatives to actively participate in her own care. This is particularly important in the context of home support where the objective is often to preserve the autonomy of the person assisted for as long as possible.

In return, a caregiver who trusts the person he or she is with encourages them to go above and beyond and try new things. Thus, mutual trust helps to create a virtuous circle in which the person helped feels able to overcome their difficulties, while the caregiver can accompany them in their progress with kindness.

Ethics and confidentiality
Another crucial aspect of trust is the issue of confidentiality. The caregiver, who is often confronted with very personal information about the person he or she is accompanying, must respect strict confidentiality. By respecting the privacy of the person being assisted, he or she consolidates this relationship of trust. Conversely, failure to do so can weaken the relationship and lead the person assisted to close, doubt or distrust.

For the caregiver, this confidence also implies an ethical approach, centred on respecting the choices of the person, even if those choices do not always correspond to their vision. The helping relationship is first and foremost a relationship of respect for the will of the other.

How do you build trust?
Building trust involves several key steps:

Active listening: listening to the needs, fears and expectations of the person being helped without judgment.
Transparency: clearly explain the actions, care or interventions to be carried out to avoid any surprises or concerns.
Patience: understanding that each person has their own rhythm and respecting it without imposing unnecessary constraints.
Empathy: putting yourself in the person’s shoes, understanding their emotions and responding in a way that is adapted to their expectations.

Conclusion
Trust is the cornerstone of any helping relationship. It allows the person to feel safe, understood and respected, while providing a supportive and respectful environment for the caregiver. It is through this relationship of trust that the caregiver and the person being assisted can build an environment where autonomy, well-being and dignity are preserved.

The circle of trust is a central element of My Visio Link that operates as an autonomy engine