Follow
Share

I am the caregiver for a 65 year old senior whom was diagnosed with Early onset Adult Alzheimer's Disease.

I have been sick maybe one day this entire year. I have had a migraine for two days, and really needed to take the time for myself, and this daughter, whom has not had a hand in any of the things that I do with her mother during the day, just cannot believe I would make her life so miserable by calling in sick. Keep in mind, I found my own replacement.
This girl is 30 years old, and feels she owns me. The worse of it. I am paid less than $200 for a week.
Can someone help me with how to turn around the situation so that I am in control? I feel that this daughter has no thanks for what I do, and just expects me to be at her beckon call.
Sure, I am caring for an Alzheimer's patient, but this gets me very burned out, when the family does not even know what we do during the day, or take the time to go to any of her brain fitness classes that I found for her. Advice?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
KeyDeb , you say you want to turn the situation around so that you're in control. I'm not sure what that means to you, what it would look like?
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Hi Kay,
I've been working privately with the elderly for about 30 years. My work comes from word of mouth. Doing a good job and paying attention to detail is why I feel my name/reputation has been passed along. I also do not sell myself short! I charge what agency charges. Where I live the rate is $25/hr. There are no benefits when you work for yourself. e.g., paid holiday off, paid sick/personal time or health benefits. You should point that out IF you are questioned about your rate. Your time is just as valuable as anyone else. It's not easy work and if you are doing a very good job then you should be compensated for it. After all those families hiring you cannot or do not want to do the services that you are providing.
Pass your name along to doctor offices first because sometimes families will ask the office if they any recommendations. Leave your name and services provided with church organizations for their bulletins. (Be careful when you go to interview...not everyone is a saint. You may want to have someone in the car waiting.) check with local hospice agencies that do not provide nursing care for more than an hour or two a day. I've had calls from family looking to fill entire shifts. Be professional and don't bring personal problems to work because most people have their own. Along with doing a good job, stay upbeat and be dependable. It may take a little while but you will find work or should I say...work will find you!
As to your post.....no one owns you. No one is doing you a favor or giving you a job to make you life better. You are providing a service and should be respected for the work that you do. If not, then move along because there is plenty of work out there! Best Wishes..:)
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

You would do better working for an agency. I'm not sure that you'd find it any better if what you're expecting is gratitude. Not every family wants to participate in the caregiving. Not every family values caregivers the way they should.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

An agency pays less than half of what I make. I make $20 per hour. If I worked for an agency, I would get $100 per week. I don't ask for families to participate, she has been off an on, first participating, then not, then yes. This is the issue now. The 65 year old, really is emotionally connected to me, and it is hard, believe it or not, and do not say don't get emotionally involved. If you have been with someone day in, day out for 11 months, that is asking a care giver not to be human. Yes, I realize and know that people don't value caregivers, but it is nothing different then having men not respect women in a man's world.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Summer makes some good points, as do the others. But if the daughter can't control herself, you owe it to yourself to move on, even though you do have a relationship with the woman for whom you care. This IS in fact a business relationship first.

I would use that to leverage proper behavior from the daughter, explaining that you have cared for her mother for x years, have a good relationship with her but don't feel that the daughter is treating you with respect, which is mandatory if she wishes you to continue providing care.

Present her with a list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors - you don't go into detail, so I'm not sure what she's doing, but she needs to be put in her place. I would even ask her to sign the list, in the form of a contract. Be firm; she sounds like she needs to be set straight.

Caring for someone on a long term basis can distort the balance between self interest and the interest of the cared for person. Your first priority is to yourself, even though you are really fond of the woman for whom you provide care. In addition, if you back down from the daughter, she'll know she can dominate and boss you around.

Good luck and I hope you find an acceptable solution.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Also I believe the daughter has every right to expect you to do what you are paid to do. Sounds like she is in control of things for her mother. Your control is limited to your assignment. You should talked to her about days off, and/ in case of sickness.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

You would be much better off working for an agency. You can ask for reassignment when things become difficult. You have coverage for days off. You have a supervisor who can talk to the client for you . Put your resume together and move on.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

A couple of questions: who has POA? who writes the checks? If,when you were sick, you found your own replacement, why was the daughter even involved? Does she live in the same house? I am a live-in caretaker of an inlaw and the children who do not live there have no care in the world of the day-to-day (unless she were to get sick, then I might get a raised eyebrow!), so I'm wondering why this daughter should feel that she owns you (I wouldn't be concerned about her appreciation -- that rarely happens).
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

you work for 20/hour and earn less than $200. Is that 10 hours one day or 2 hours five days? Who pays your bond insurance and liability insurance?
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I am confused... sorry but if you are making less than $200 a week that is around $25 a day or $6 an hour for 8 hrs. Or are you making $20 an hour for 8 hrs a day which is $156 a day? Otherwise $1022 a week? Are you part time?

I know caretakers make at least between $9 to $35 an hour in my area. That is $72 a day to $280 a day for 8hr @ an agency with benefits. Could you clarify? Your second post confused me.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter