People often think that when they hire a caregiver, that’s it, they’re done. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sometimes you need a relief caregiver to cover for the first caregiver while she takes care of her own business. You might need to be available to help turn the patient, feed him, etc etc. for my dad it was best to have 3 people at his house to do everything. The professional caregiver, me, and anyone else who could help. This is why I prefer a care home for those who are sick. However, I’m now helping relative #4. Will continue as long as possible but now I know when to quit.
Good point, Fawnby. It happens all the time. People hire a caregiver and think they're done. That their only responsibility is signing a check week for the caregiver. I've worked for a lot of families and care clients like this. They all learned fast that hired homecare doesn't work like that. All too often a care facility is the better and safer choice for someone.
A little more specific information would be helpful. I used to help the caregivers I hired if I wanted to take my Husband to the store I needed help getting him into the car safely. (when it reached this point though I realized that his trips to the store were done) But I would also help the caregiver get the wheelchair out the door and down the ramp when the caregiver would take him for a walk. (for some odd reason the house has very high thresholds at the front and garage door, the back door is not quite as bad.) What kind of help is the caregiver asking? If it is a personal errand, or has anything to do with money, that would be a red flag and probably a hard no.
So based on your profile you seem to be a granddaughter. Are you saying that your grandmother's caregiver is asking you for help? Do you live with your grandmother? How old are you? How old is your grandmother? Who is in charge of the caregiver? If it's one of your parents then I would let them know you've been asked and what it is you've been asked to help with. More info would help us to give you good guidance.
I've been a caregiver for many years. I have many times requested even insisted family help with a client's care or errands. For example, a doctor's appointment. If the client has dementia I will not bring them to it unless accompanied by a family member. It's not my place nor will I take on the responsibility of explaining to their doctor. Unless there is special paperwork in place their doctor cannot speak to me anyway. If a client is invalid often times a caregiver will need another person to assist in transferring, bathing, toileting, and dressing. Better to ask for help then to risk the client's safety.
I used to help the caregivers I hired if I wanted to take my Husband to the store I needed help getting him into the car safely. (when it reached this point though I realized that his trips to the store were done)
But I would also help the caregiver get the wheelchair out the door and down the ramp when the caregiver would take him for a walk. (for some odd reason the house has very high thresholds at the front and garage door, the back door is not quite as bad.)
What kind of help is the caregiver asking?
If it is a personal errand, or has anything to do with money, that would be a red flag and probably a hard no.
Your grandma is 139 ??? amazing.
For example, a doctor's appointment. If the client has dementia I will not bring them to it unless accompanied by a family member. It's not my place nor will I take on the responsibility of explaining to their doctor. Unless there is special paperwork in place their doctor cannot speak to me anyway.
If a client is invalid often times a caregiver will need another person to assist in transferring, bathing, toileting, and dressing.
Better to ask for help then to risk the client's safety.