The daughter just told me today that Monday she does not need me. Should I be compensated for last minute notice?

Oh LadeeC -- It is a year later and NO REFERENCE. I really do not need it. I am on a care website and have 5 five star references, which is amazingly incredible. But I again asked her for a reference and she said I know I know I am so sorry I am busy.

To busy for the low life care giver, never busy to pull the job from under my face. Sorry that is how I feel most people that are not wealthy beyond means which is ALL of us feel. We are such a CRITICAL NATION.

lade me speaking of references. I have worked with her mom for almost a year. She has promised me since the two month mark a wonderful reference. I know how she works, she would say yes, if she didn't want to, I am not her priority. I have a statistic and I am not a person of race color or anything, and much of the problem is that caregiving is a job that many came come in and do without very little english or experience. Then there is me with and MBA in Healthcare Mgmt. (what am I doing here you ask) If anyone could give me a contact in Seattle, WA, I would so love it. I have made around $70,000 all my life in the Corporate world. That does not define me, but you understand where when I go from that to $295.00 per week, Driving five hours each week just to get there. Thanks guys/gals women/men you are really my saving grace, each and every one of your opinions allows me to expand my thinking.

You probably need to have this written up front. You can ask for $150, but likely not get it. If you believe the relationship and your employment with this family will continue, have a discussion with daughter and let her know you need 24 hr notice in advance or cancellation fee.

Explain your expectations for having a steady income and that you hope she can understand.

If it happens again, look for someone more steady and write a contract that both parties sign clearly spelling out terms and compensation.

I think it would be reasonable to expect payment any time there is less than 24 hours notice. Put it in writing and hand it to her. Even doctors charge a cancellation fee.

I get what your saying now, yes it does suck when your cancelled at such a shirt notice. Countrymouse is right, gotta speak up if you feel you have a good relationship. I was cancelled last week for the day, and was not paid, but there is Times I am. And it was less than an hour before I had to be there. I agree again with countrymouse, nicely explain about a cancellation fee.
I can honestly say, as a caregiver, we sometimes get a crap deal. Cancel, sent home, etc. And people don't realize what we lose. But if your missing out on an opportunity, bring it up. Good luck to you! Btw are you with a company or self employed?

Well, if you don't ask you don't get…

Tricky to handle. The daughter clearly thinks it's ok to chop and change without warning. You need to let her know (carefully) that it isn't, because it costs you money. You could email her back, acknowledge her requirements for now, and add something like "normally I would expect to charge a cancellation fee of $x dollars if I'm given less than 24 hours' notice, because it causes me to lose alternative employment which I cannot afford to do." An honourable person would stump up this time (I'm guessing she won't, though); and then certainly in future you've given her fair warning that she either gets her communication better sorted out or she will have to compensate you.

Nobody likes to pay money if they don't have to, fair enough. But it isn't fair that she costs you money, and she should be able to see that. Go carefully but state your reasons clearly. Good luck!

I did not LOSE a job. Let me better explain. I am their caregiver for their mother whom is 67 years old. She emailed me (the daughter) last pm after midnight, letting me know that she needed me today, then I got a call right when I was leaving my house, stating she needed to cancel and "oh by the way we do not need you monday"…. I am thinking because I DO have a great relationship with the daughter, and I will be their caregiver for hopefully until the mom goes into Assisted living, that we can possibly talk about these types of issues, and I am from the Corporate world. I have done this for 8 years, and honestly it is not for the money!!! I am doing this because I have compassion, and we need the money desperately, but I do not share any of my personal life with the caregiver or her daughter. I do not mix that information. It is just that two days worth of income, then she cancelled her vacation which I was supposed to be there overnight for four nights this week, so all because of the daughters life, I was expecting to make $800 this week, now $150 if I am lucky. What are your thoughts. I did write to her asking politely what she thought of writing up a contract, because she changed the rules in 1/1/2014. I think if we get along as great as she states, then I understand the emotional component, my mother is in an alzheimer assisted living facility as we speak, and I was her UNPAID caregiver, so I am on both ends of the spectrum and can speak very professionally. I am not looking for $800 but a $150 cancellation fee for what would have been $800 would be very respectful.

Sorry hun, it's up to the payee if they give you money. I was lucky when I was laid off for a few weeks, I got one weeks pay. But as a caregiver, that usually doesn't happen. My circumstances were a little different. I was brought back once "treatment" started. I know it sucks losing a job at such short notice.... hugs to you and hope you find something soon

Sorry, it's called 'lesson learned'...... I am going thru the 'loyalty' thing myself right now...from my own experience, I have only been let go one time... after 2 1/2 YEARS.... no warning, but I was given a months severance pay.....

I feel sometimes the families are very uncomfortable about telling us we are no longer needed...it's not like we are being 'layed off' , we are being fired....and no, unless it's in writing they don't have to give us any notice....

This is just one of the many reasons I am getting out of caregiving... I have been doing this for 15 years..... I am past burned out.... the constant chaos of the family I presently work for is no longer an option for me....

It's a two way street... caregivers are notorious for not showing up, not giving notice, ect.... but unless you have a family that understands your own personal situation, you are not going to get compensated.... like I said, 'lesson learned'... in the future you may want to have a little contract drawn up, stating that you either need a two week notice or compensation.. I personally won't go that route, because I am sooooo done dealing with families... I can take care of my charges all day long, and all night.... the families have burned the bridge.... hope you find work soon... but just tell them thank you.... you will need this family as a reference.... so stay professional.... good luck to you.