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Just Curious Im new in my career as a caregiver. I have only been at my current cargiving job for three weeks. What do you do when all the client wants to do is talk about life or play cards? I feel some what guilty when I am going to the home to clean, do dishes, clean floors, bathrooms and kitchens and the client doesnt want me to, but instead wants to chit chat or play cards. What the right reponse to the client? I keep asking if she is sure she doesnt need me to do anything but she says nope just talk to me or play cards etc etc etc...I feel like if Im not working Im taking advantage......need advice and thanks :)

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Put your client and her needs first. If she wants to sit with you and play cards then that is what you do. You're fulfilling a need in her

so consider it time well spent.

And document everything. If you feel that part of your job is not getting done because you are tending to the social needs of your client write a little note in your documentation explaining why some tasks are not getting done. Use your client's exact words in your document: "Mrs. Smith said she'd rather I sit and play cards with her than have her kitchen tidied up."

If someone tells you that it's all well and good that you're sitting with your client and visiting but that you still have to complete other tasks then hit the ground running when you get there. It's perfectly acceptable to tell your client, "Mrs. Smith, I was told by ________ that these tasks had to be done so as soon as I'm done we'll play some cards."

It's only been 3 weeks. You'll get the hang of it.
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Sounds like Tryingmybest has the best solution. Above all, these are lonely people. Often all of their friends have died or can't communicate anymore. The thing that they need most is some company.
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I'm sure things have changed a lot in the past 35 years but I was a home aide while I was going to college and when I had elderly clients they often just wanted me to visit with them. The problem was my agency had clear tasks for me to do and there were social workers involved who would have complained if the cleaning, laundry, shopping and cooking was not getting done. The way I handled it was to tell the client that I would get in trouble and I could loose my job if I did not complete my list but I promised we could sit together when I was done. My shifts were four hours, usually two or three days a week. I was a very fast worker so there was plenty of time for me to share a cup of tea and have a leisurely chat before I left. Like I said, I'm sure things are different now but that was how I handled it.
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If she's your employer, you're doing exactly what you should be doing: What she wants you to do. If, however, it's a family member who's employing you, then you need to discuss your dilemma with that person.

I hire professional care givers for mom regularly. They come prepared to throw in some laundry, do dishes, fill/empty the dishwasher, vacuum -- whatever. No. All I want them to do is socialize with mom, take the sandwich and fixin's out of the fridge at the appropriate time and give her her pills as instructed.

At first, they feel the same way you do. They'll offer to do all sorts of things. And they always clean up after themselves and mom. But mom doesn't need a cleaning lady. She needs company...socializing and attention.

Don't feel guilty!!
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right now my Mom does all the housekeeping, we just want the CG to keep dad happy and occupied. Our CG would love to do more, but Mom feels like it's her job, and so we let her. Maybe you need to clarify with your employer what your duties are? We are thrilled she keeps dad happy. so if this is whats needed, do NOT feel guilty Maybe you can clean around her and talk to her at the same time. or watch TV with her while you are cooking? Just keep the client happy! You will be fine!
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Well it was my first day with this particular client and she said her friend cleaned for her the day before and she had nothing for me to clean or do. Although Im sure I could have found something if she had just let me. Im just not sure if the right response is to sit with the client as she asked me to or just try and clean anyways. I want to do the best job I can do and I don't feel like sitting playing cards is doing a very good job of helping with things around the house she needs help with. Just wasn't sure how to handle the situations when clients dont want u doing things around the house.
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This is why you need a written agreement about what comes first, cards or cleaning.
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