Mom is 87 and declining with Parkinson's / dementia / TN / diabetes. Dad (who suffers from spinal stenosis) is her primary caregiver. I (as their only child) was able to secure Medicaid for Mom. So, now Dad has, for the last couple of months, the help of 12 hr 7 days a week aides along with hospice. There have been more and more instances now where the aides have called out and the agency is not able to find a replacement leaving dad alone to care for mom. I understand times are tough with covid-19 being an issue, but I'm wondering if we should look into a different agency or is this problem the same no matter where you look.
Find out if you can employ 2 separate agencies to ensure that your mom is getting the care she needs. This would give you a larger employee pool to choose from.
I would also encourage dad and mom to tell you the names of the aides they like best and then see if you can request those aides specifically.
This is a difficult job and it hugely underpaid, so unfortunately it doesn't really draw people that have lots of ambition to be there no matter what and be stellar while there. Not saying that there aren't some amazing people doing these jobs, saying it is difficult to find them.
Best of luck and thank you for stepping up and doing your essential job so the rest of us can continue to have the essentials right now. Everyone doing that has my gratitude and admiration.
Thanks so much for your kind words! xoxo
I was told by the company supplying aides that folks are actually refusing to work due to Covid-19. Being an essential employee myself in law enforcement, to hear aides are refusing to work is really disappointing.
I was a CNA for several years. I was never allowed to call my client. I could call my supervisor and another caregiver would be sent to the client.
My MIL had round the clock home health aides until a place opened in an adult day program. Then, she switched to ADP and a night time caregiver, When COVID-19 hit, she switched to 2 caregivers - 1 for daytime and 1 for nighttime. Maybe one of these options will work for you.
will have to look into how to get qualified for more hours.