We're using the "Nest" security camera... any advice on what we are seeing?

Jasmina said it all. A Caregiver is not a housecleaner. And there is also a classification of "Sitter" - one who sits with the patient to basically monitor the patient.

As a 24/7 caregiver for my DH, the days do tend to get boring - and we all pray for no emergencies.

You need to google "responsibilities of a caregiver" - - - compare them to what a babysitter is responsible for. Basically, it's to make sure the person isn't alone, isn't injured and receives assistance when needed. It's someone who can dial "911" when the need arises.

A Caregiver is NOT a Housekeeper and should not be expected to do your housework. Cleaning a few breakfast, lunch & dinner dishes "maybe" but they should not be expected to cook your dinner for when you get home.

**P.S. I should think you could ask the person if they would LIKE a couple of tasks to pass the day. But if you saw your caregiver cleaning/straightening up things - you could wind up accusing her of snooping and/or stealing. You can't have it both ways.

"When she engages in conversation" caught my eye. Maybe not to interrupt his shows if that's his routine, but they both might get more out of the encounter if maybe once per day/visit, she asked a thoughtful/inspirational question to help keep his mind active and thinking. Google "inspirational thoughts" for lists of questions. One I like is "101 Thought Provoking Questions" from a website called Pick the Brain (https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/101-thought-provoking-questions-ask-late/). If there are some on the list you don't think are appropriate, cut & paste and cherry pick ones to omit. It's more than "How are you feeling today, Mr. Smith?" Could give him cause to relive some nice memories, and the caregiver to learn there's a real person in there somewhere.

Hello what is her job description? Is it is to feed your dad and clean up? Has she done that? Is it to keep your dad company? Is she doing that? If your dad sits and watches his shows, what is she supposed to do? Drag him outside in the heat? That could be dangerous. A walk outside might be good, but you have to be careful they don't walk too far, and he gets tired half way out. He could easily fall from a crack in the sidewalk.
If you have other tasks for her like light cleaning, laundry, change bedding, take out trash, she should be doing that. That might only take an hour or 2 a day.
If you don't then, why isn't it ok for her to keep him company? He enjoys it. She probably has to watch old reruns. That isn't a lot of fun after the 1st hour.
Unless you have a massive daily chore list, I don't see what the problem is. If she is off doing all these chores, will your dad get up and go looking for her?
She is right there with your dad. She is being a companion and keeping an eye on him. Unless she is ignoring the other duties, I don't see what the problem is. Your dad probably loves it.
In nursing homes residents sit and watch tv, watch the staff, and nap between meals. They are mostly in their rooms. Not a lot of talking going on. The staff yes, residents no.
They have activities, but only a small core group usually does them. A full hour of activies is usually a lot, and it wears them out. Most have to nap afterwards. Your lucky to keep their attention up to 30 mins. A lot bail in the 1st 10 mins.
There are activities you can look up online that they might do together. That might only interest your dad for so long. It can also agitate him if he knows his mind isnt what it used to be, and your asking him to use logic and thinking for a half hour project.
You might be looking at this from an active person standpoint. He is 91. If your paying her to be a companion, she is doing that. I think that in itself is worth something. Not a lot in the nursing home get 1 on 1 companion time.

I had similar frustrations. I made a daily checklist and reviewed it with anyone coming in to work with my m-i-l. I also told them if given a choice she will always choose not to do something and say no. She would be happy sitting in her chair and watching tv 24 hours a day. I have listed what days require showering, hair washing or washing up, physical activities ( getting up to walk every hour, physical therapy exercises on a sheet of paper, going outside when the weather allows), and mental activities (scrabble, cards, puzzles, crosswords). Some of the aides are really good with keeping her engaged while others sit and watch tv with her most of the time, which drives me crazy. I have found some of the aides have the philosophy of "she is 91, let her do what she wants". To which I reply "she is not able to make good decisions for herself, that is why we are here. If she does want she wants she will atrophy and end up in a nursing home, which is not what she wants."
If you are not happy I would ask the aide to do more and then give her specific ideas.

Nothing really wrong with it that I could see. Like the means of scrutiny. A positive relationship can go a long way. No one is getting hurt. Boundaries aren't violated. Electronic security can divulge much.

Might check into privacy laws.

It is normal. And it is appaling. Show this to the caregiver just before you fire her.

Did you mean anything by ‘when she engages him,’ as in, she focuses more on the TV than on him? Looks like you’re in an okay place for now with the previous messages.

Good swicklund
You’ve worked it through and that removes a layer of stress.
Add that to your basics checklist and run it mentally from time to time to reconfirm that you are doing a good job taking care of your dad.

Thanks everyone for your answers. The contract is for light house work which is basically just cleaning up after themselves. He seems to like her and he does eat so I shouldnt complain. There really isnt anything else for them to do but I am sending him some puzzle books! Maybe he'll enjoy that :)

If she’s good with your dad and he likes her and she feeds him and cleans up after herself and him, she’d be fine with me.

swicklund
it wouldn’t be normal in my house. Since your dad likes her I would give her a list of chores to do each day that wouldn’t leave much time for tv. It is company to him I’m sure but I think you could do better. I would put a sticker or notice up that a camera is being used. Sometimes that’s all it takes to make people more aware that better behavior is required. Check your states laws if you are concerned.

If she engaged him in regular conversation, if all his needs are met what else is it for her to do if it's too hot outside I don't feel her sitting back watching tv is bad. Now if she is neglecting him that's a different story.

What exactly did you agree on when she was hired, did you give her a list of tasks to get accomplished every day? Some people are energizer bunnies who can't sit down and would go stir crazy if they can't keep busy, others... not so much. I'd say you need to come up with a checklist of things to do and sit down with her to discuss the terms of her contract, after that as long as she is accomplishing those things and getting along well with your LO she should be free to fill the remaining time as she chooses.