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NHWM, this is where I have to disagee, there is a HUGE difference between private pay and agency, especially when the client is not paying.
Ok, this is gross, but we had workers that bitched about stupid thing like pouring a cup of coffee for a spouse. The worst was the worker used a spare bathroom, threw period pads in a basket with no liner and expected me to clean it because the client did not use it. I flipped right out and guess what according to agency and Medicaid, the worker was right. I was floored.
There are huge differences in it all. Private pay, I would have fired.
Well as a caregiver, they may be trained that they are prohibited from pouring coffee for a spouse, and if that spouse pours it on themselves and has to go to the hospital, the agency may try and get out of liability by saying the caregiver was told not to serve anyone besides the patient. In which case they can be personally liable. There's a bit of a grey area: if the client was bringing the coffee themselves and you are afraid they might hurt themselves, that might be a reason to help. But if there is not a good explanation why you were providing care to someone who was not the patient, the agency might not approve it. As to restroom garbages, a care worker might have to dispose of all kinds of things. Best to have a garbage receptacle with a bin liner available to them. They might be prohibited from taking out garbages for the same reason: the client could say it was damaged and the person was not supposed to be touching it.
Been thinking about this thread and I have more thoughts on it.
I would like to say there are good and bad examples in all professions. There are good and bad clients too. Just because someone pays for a service doesn’t mean that they should be rude to their caregivers.
Let’s be grateful for all good caregivers! Caregivers are under more stress than usual during these challenging days.
If someone is disappointed in a caregiver’s behavior they can have an honest discussion with the caregiver and try to resolve the situation.
The key word is ‘excessively’ using their phone.
Sometimes a telephone conversation is about a matter that is important and should be allowed.
It should not matter if a caregiver is on her phone on breaks or at lunch.
I don’t think we should generalize about whether a ‘private pay’ or ‘agency’ caregiver is better. No one can determine this.
People may have their own personal preferences for various reasons.
A good fit for the caregiver and the client is what is most important.
Good communication is needed. Neither the caregiver nor client should be expected to have ‘mind reading’ abilities.
If a person is looking for a caregiver to be a companion than discuss this beforehand. Some caregivers are happy to play a card game, assist in putting a puzzle together or read to them and watch a television program together.
Keep in mind what the patient wants. Some patients prefer privacy, and don’t wish to have more attention than what is necessary.
Allow time to develop a relationship that works for each of them. Be aware that some people can never be pleased.
This topic will be always be viewed according to individual personalities, according to one’s own work ethics and personal needs of the client.
I do feel that everyone should show the utmost appreciation, especially in these challenging circumstances, to all people who are in any service industry. This includes caregivers and all medical personnel.
NO. Absolutely not. It’s unprofessional and it’s practically stealing as they could be working on SOMETHING, or just being present for your parent. No way.
If a caregiver is through an agency, you can always request a new one if there is not a good fit for any reason. However if the agency requires to keep in contact with the aide by phone, the new one might keep looking at their phone too. Many agencies operate via cell phone apps and texts and calls.
I think I need to quit reading this, because it's making me dizzy because it's like following a tennis match while standing right next to the net--one says "yes, it matters", the next says "no, it doesn't", then "yes", "no", "yes", "no"--you get the idea. The bottom line is probably for the family to discuss it among themselves, come to an agreement, and then talk to the hired caregiver, especially if the decision is that she shouldn't be spending the time on her phone. There probably ISN'T a "one size fits all" answer. A signed agreement might be an excellent idea to be sure there are no misunderstandings about expectations, whatever the family decides the latter should be.
This is a common trait! I share your concern and irritation. It’s also unsanitary if they don’t wash their hands afterward before giving care -especially with Covid 19 around. If you hired the person, you are perfectly within your rights to request that the cellphone be used only during breaks (define breaks such as lunchtime, stepping outdoors for 15 minutes, taking a walk, etc). If you bring it up or set limits like this (even if you do it nicely), you have to be willing to continue your search for a caregiver. My experience has been that about 25% of them apologize and comply. The other 75% get mad and quit. It seems to be the nature of the beast. It’s one of many things that makes the whole elder care stage of life a very difficult burden.
All caregivers wash their hands before and after having physical contact with the client, and we all wear gloves. If you've got a caregiver who isn't wearing gloves every moment she's administering hands-on care, then being on the cellphone is the least of your problems. It depends on the situation. We all spend time with our clients during our shifts after the work is done as companionship because most of the time you're the only person in the home with the client. We are not entertainers though. None should expect us to do all the care, the house work, provide companionship, and maybe take some tutorials with the Cirque de Soleil to make sure the client doesn't experience a moment of boredom during our shift. Please. Get real.
I would not really say entitled Karens. It is not even phones per say, I just believe some not all caregivers take advantage of situations.
For instance, the person that was in my home was incontinent and needed to be bathroomed every 2 hours. It was decided that between 4 and 8 am she would not get bathroomed so people could get rest. The person had absolutely no problem sitting in pee. Not only was the caregiver 15 minutes late everyday (she did make up the 15 minutes at the end of her shift), she brought breakfast, walked in set up the phones, pads and ate breakfast for a half hour instead of bathrooming the person or getting her breakfast. I find it annoying personally. I mean go ahead and eat breakfast with your client not before.
I do not find that entitled. Most caregivers come in to relieve the burden of the primary caregiver, not to add to it. People rely on these people coming into your home to care for someone who may or may not believe they need help. I just ask they look at a clients needs primary during work hours and their own needs secondary.
As a caregiver, you might find this behavior from caregivers who have back to back clients with little time for transportation or meals. You could always request a different caregiver if you feel they are slacking, but if your person is safe and cared for, that might be why your caregiver is in high demand.
You would be surprised how many people are on their phones all night long where I work. I work the overnight shift and all of the 20 something and 30 something kids are on their phones all night long. We have been working 12hour days and they are STILL on their phones!!
Most of them have a hands free head set. I think they are just talking to each other, lol. It’s a HUGE building!!
I am an individual provider for my mom and she is considered my employer, however I am paid through the state. My moms case worker had me sign a contract with specific duties that need to be completed. Some are daily and some are weekly. I am responsible for calling in her medications and grocery shopping which I do from my phone. I also complete time sheets and other things my mom needs done from my phone. My situation is a little different because I am her daughter but I need breaks during my day, and I like to read my books on my phone during those breaks. So before you assume she's slacking off just realize she may also be completing other duties or just be taking an allowed lunch break during her shift. Just my own opinion. ❤
I agree. I am also an individual provider for three of my parents. we are given a contract prior to caring for them in this contract there is a thing called job duties an those job duties are the things that the client is needing done for them or assistance with however, we are paid to do (those )duties and nothing more than those duties. if the client is needing more care than the case manager would have to adjust the hours according to the care the client is needing . if they are not able to adjust the hours for the employee then another caregiver would be provided or perhaps an agency might take over.As far as the job duties go we are paid to do the duties and only the duties that the client has in their care plan. we are not allowed to do extra things it does not matter if the client is family or not we are only allowed to get paid for the duties that are in the care plan. once those job duties are complete we are allowed to be on our phone we are allowed to be on our computer and we are allowed to do anything we want in our spare time. that is not breaking the law it is not rude or disrespectful in any way I hope that helps. Excuse the punctuation.😀
I am a Private Pay caregiver, and truthfully, if I were to do such a thing while on the clock, I would absolutely expect the client to fire me on the spot. I'm not there to "play," I'm there to care for their loved one. When I enter the home, my phone is turned off. It's known as RESPECT. Your caregiver needs to learn that before finding another client, cause she sure would not be in my home taking care of my loved one.
Thanks for expressing what should be understood. If a caregiver is hired by an institution such as a hospital or nursing home, she would be assigned other duties as well as the specific care tasks enumerated. These do not have to be specified in a job description.
In home care, the care giver is there for the client. If the client has any needs at all that can not be independently accomplished, the care giver is there to help (within the limits of her personal and/or professional ability). Part of her job is to pay attention and recognize these needs as they arise. A game or phone conversation should never be a distraction. One important need might be the need for social interaction. If the client wants conversation or to express needs, she should have the full attention of the care giver. (regular breaks should be provided for the care giver the eat a meal or use her phone)
Yes, common courtesy and respect are owed to the client. The client is not only a human being with needs he/she is also the "boss" (or his family/representatives are).
The key word here is consistently. My mom and husband's aunt both have caregivers. Some of the caregivers have children at home doing virtual school. An occasional phone call is fine as long as the elder is not neglected. I do remind the caregivers they are for companionship also. These are private sitters and not agency staff. We all are tied to our phones these days but all day on the phone would not allow them time to provide care.
To me, cell phone use has gotten out of hand. There was a young woman the other day with her infant in the baby carriage. I was driving down the street. The young girl was in the middle of the road with one hand on the baby carriage and one hand on her cell phone, just standing still in the middle of the road!! Granted it is a neighborhood, not a main road, but still!!!
I beeped the horn, she slowly moved her baby carriage to the side of the road. It seems to be the norm, not the exception.
When we use to visit our son in NYC, everyone is at the crosswalk staring at their cell phones as they cross the road!!!
Looks like the OP only made a few comments very early on in the posting.
It seems like the OP is the daughter who does quite a bit of cooking for her parents.
I imagine that she is wondering what others have experienced regarding the phone since she has observed that her parent’s hired help is constantly on her phone.
Technically, of course the OP can wash her hands off any responsibilities and not care about who is caring for her mother but it appears to me that she is not being a buttinsky but is concerned about the quality of care that her parents are receiving from their caregiver.
I personally think that it is wonderful for the OP to care about her parents but if her parents aren’t complaining about it, then she could do herself and her parents a favor by forgetting about it unless the caregiver is neglecting her job and her parents are suffering in some sort of way.
In that case, she should be complimented on being an advocate for her parents.
It's common in home. Keeps caregivers awake during night shift or occupied when clients are doing things by themselves but close enough to assist when asked for. Not permitted in facilities, so it seems.
We can argue cell phone issues all day. But the point here is honestly that the OP did not hire this caregiver. Her parents did. And her father and Mom like this caregiver. I honestly think that it would be best if OP just let her parents have charge of the few things left in their elder years that they can make their own decisions about. As I said in the beginning, much depends upon what she was hired to DO and if she is DOING it satisfactorily. If I had to have caregivers in my home I would MUCH rather have them chatting on their phone than bothering ME. But that's a personal decision. I think OP should let her parents make their own decisions.
Great! answer. you are absolutely.. right.if the client hired them and is able to decide or make decisions on their own. Then i think they are plenty capable of deciding if they are getting quality care. I think it would be in the Op best interest to mind her business unless her parents are being neglected. it is not a crime to be on your phone as long as they stay near the client to assist them at any time they need and all job duties are complete then the care providers are doing their job.
I believe there is a difference between consistently and occasional. There was a worker that came to the house, a phone and two pads, drove me nuts since she did not do her job and played games all day. Anyway, if she uses the Wi-Fi, you can change the password and you can buy cell phone signal jammers for the home.
Who can go to their job and spend an excessive amount of time on the phone? No one I know! They would lose their job.
Occasional phone use is acceptable for some but never excessive use. I had this situation once and I had to ask for a replacement.
When I called it turned out that the agency had already fired her because they received numerous complaints about this particular caregiver not doing her job adequately.
Caregivers get breaks and time off. They can use their phone at that time.
It’s a matter of common sense as well. I didn’t care if a caregiver was using her phone if my mom was napping.
The agency that we used stressed that their caregivers were also companions to the elderly. They enjoyed playing a card game with my mom, watching television with her or sharing a meal or snack with her. The caregiver knew that I kept their favorite snacks available for them to enjoy along with food for meals.
There are plenty of jobs that tolerate smart phone usage. I haven’t been hiding out at home since March like most people here so I am always out and about and there always employees of various businesses on their phones. Everywhere from my kids orthodontist to Kohl’s. I’m not saying it’s right, I’m just pointing out that times have changed since many jf you last worked “for the man” and it’s quite common to use your cellphone at work. Many employers frown upon it, many prohibit it and many tolerate it as long as you don’t abuse the privilege.
I must be different. I had no problem with the lady who stayed with mom playing games on her phone. As long as she was attentive to Mom it was okay. If mom was napping, reading, or visiting with friends I had no problem. She was better than the woman who brought her dog with her or the woman whose kids ran in and out. Mom had me get rid of them quickly. Her responsibility was to mom. No housekeeping chores or cooking. No visiting with the housekeeper. Mom liked her because she was quiet and efficient.
You said the ‘key’ words, ‘as long as the work is done.’
I had no problem either if the person did their job.
A person who is occasionally on the phone is very different from someone who is excessively on the phone.
I had one caregiver for mom that did chores first, then was on the phone.
I had another caregiver who did NO chores and played on the phone constantly! I had to tell the agency that she wasn’t suitable for caregiving and to send someone else.
There is nothing wrong with them always playing on their phone, as long as they've done their chores for the day, and aren't neglecting anything. Honestly, it's really none of your business, unless you want to take over as the sole caregiver. It's actually much harder and more draining than it looks. Especially since old people are nearly impossible to relate and talk to. What else is she going to do besides play on her phone? Bang her head against the wall? Sleep? Leave her alone in her house? If it really bothers you that much, then fire them, but it's not against the law for her to be on her phone oten.
It is ABSOLUTELY her business! Who do you think is paying the caregiver’s salary?
Who do you think wants the best care possible for her loved one?
Unless it is an emergency the caregiver should not be on the phone. She is being paid to do a job. If she is unhappy in that job she can find a new profession.
Caregivers have time off and can be on their phone all they want on their own time!
We had one of those. Told the aide one day she needs to do her job and get off the cell phone. Next day quit. No problem there what so ever. I thought I was tactful but guess not. That is your decision to make but the caregiver is hired to take care not be on the cell constantly. Good luck.
How the heck is that even close to being tactful? You're just being rude at that point. You're lucky she didn't tell you to choke on it. If she was doing everything that needed to be done, then you're attitude is just entirely disgusting. I'm actually surprised so many people here are so hateful towards people who play on their phones throughout the day. It's been proven that younger people get more stuff done than you old idiots ever did. Why is that? Because we take frequent breaks and we don't become burnouts at work. Some of you older folk are just there to show up and get paid.
No, fire her butt....some of these care givers do nothing besides play on their phones and watch TV....I've seen it....$33 an hour is the going price here...
This is a concern that should be addressed with an agency before your caregiver starts working in your home.
Call the agency and politely explain your situation now.
Ask them to discuss or remind their employee about phone usage while on the clock.
Don’t hesitate to explain in detail the needs of your loved one and please be honest if this person is not meeting those needs.
If you feel a replacement caregiver is needed then ask the agency to send a different person to care for your loved one.
Simply explain that she isn’t a good fit for your needs.
If several clients have complained about her excessive time on the phone, chances are that this person will be fired and will no longer be a problem for anyone.
If I were running an agency I would want honest feedback from my clients. Nothing can be addressed or resolved if you don’t bring it to their attention.
Best wishes to you and your family. I hope your situation is resolved soon.
there is no agency to call....this is a private caregiver hired by the OPs father. She has no say in any of this beyond expressing her concerns to her father.
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I totally agree that is super gross. Yuck!
I would also say that complaining about pouring an extra cup of coffee is down right silly.
All I am saying is that there are good and bad caregivers in each group, private pay or agency.
There are reasons why people choose whatever they choose.
It is good to hear why people like or dislike one or the other situations and the reasons why.
The more information that people have will help them determine what is best for them.
Ok, this is gross, but we had workers that bitched about stupid thing like pouring a cup of coffee for a spouse. The worst was the worker used a spare bathroom, threw period pads in a basket with no liner and expected me to clean it because the client did not use it. I flipped right out and guess what according to agency and Medicaid, the worker was right. I was floored.
There are huge differences in it all. Private pay, I would have fired.
I would like to say there are good and bad examples in all professions. There are good and bad clients too. Just because someone pays for a service doesn’t mean that they should be rude to their caregivers.
Let’s be grateful for all good caregivers! Caregivers are under more stress than usual during these challenging days.
If someone is disappointed in a caregiver’s behavior they can have an honest discussion with the caregiver and try to resolve the situation.
The key word is ‘excessively’ using their phone.
Sometimes a telephone conversation is about a matter that is important and should be allowed.
It should not matter if a caregiver is on her phone on breaks or at lunch.
I don’t think we should generalize about whether a ‘private pay’ or ‘agency’ caregiver is better. No one can determine this.
People may have their own personal preferences for various reasons.
A good fit for the caregiver and the client is what is most important.
Good communication is needed. Neither the caregiver nor client should be expected to have ‘mind reading’ abilities.
If a person is looking for a caregiver to be a companion than discuss this beforehand. Some caregivers are happy to play a card game, assist in putting a puzzle together or read to them and watch a television program together.
Keep in mind what the patient wants. Some patients prefer privacy, and don’t wish to have more attention than what is necessary.
Allow time to develop a relationship that works for each of them. Be aware that some people can never be pleased.
This topic will be always be viewed according to individual personalities, according to one’s own work ethics and personal needs of the client.
I do feel that everyone should show the utmost appreciation, especially in these challenging circumstances, to all people who are in any service industry. This includes caregivers and all medical personnel.
It depends on the situation. We all spend time with our clients during our shifts after the work is done as companionship because most of the time you're the only person in the home with the client. We are not entertainers though. None should expect us to do all the care, the house work, provide companionship, and maybe take some tutorials with the Cirque de Soleil to make sure the client doesn't experience a moment of boredom during our shift. Please. Get real.
For instance, the person that was in my home was incontinent and needed to be bathroomed every 2 hours. It was decided that between 4 and 8 am she would not get bathroomed so people could get rest. The person had absolutely no problem sitting in pee. Not only was the caregiver 15 minutes late everyday (she did make up the 15 minutes at the end of her shift), she brought breakfast, walked in set up the phones, pads and ate breakfast for a half hour instead of bathrooming the person or getting her breakfast. I find it annoying personally. I mean go ahead and eat breakfast with your client not before.
I do not find that entitled. Most caregivers come in to relieve the burden of the primary caregiver, not to add to it. People rely on these people coming into your home to care for someone who may or may not believe they need help. I just ask they look at a clients needs primary during work hours and their own needs secondary.
Most of them have a hands free head set. I think they are just talking to each other, lol. It’s a HUGE building!!
If a caregiver is hired by an institution such as a hospital or nursing home, she would be assigned other duties as well as the specific care tasks enumerated. These do not have to be specified in a job description.
In home care, the care giver is there for the client. If the client has any needs at all that can not be independently accomplished, the care giver is there to help (within the limits of her personal and/or professional ability). Part of her job is to pay attention and recognize these needs as they arise. A game or phone conversation should never be a distraction.
One important need might be the need for social interaction. If the client wants conversation or to express needs, she should have the full attention of the care giver. (regular breaks should be provided for the care giver the eat a meal or use her phone)
Yes, common courtesy and respect are owed to the client. The client is not only a human being with needs he/she is also the "boss" (or his family/representatives are).
My mom and husband's aunt both have caregivers. Some of the caregivers have children at home doing virtual school. An occasional phone call is fine as long as the elder is not neglected. I do remind the caregivers they are for companionship also. These are private sitters and not agency staff. We all are tied to our phones these days but all day on the phone would not allow them time to provide care.
In my opinion, if the patient is home then she/he has some sort of life...then the answer is easy: -->The short answer is: NO.
BUT, it depends on what is going on; therefore, yes sometimes on the cell and NEVER consistently on the cell. (Why have the caregiver then?)
I don't care who you are, if you are on the cell phone, you AIN'T fully paying attention to the patient. :-D
I beeped the horn, she slowly moved her baby carriage to the side of the road. It seems to be the norm, not the exception.
When we use to visit our son in NYC, everyone is at the crosswalk staring at their cell phones as they cross the road!!!
It seems like the OP is the daughter who does quite a bit of cooking for her parents.
I imagine that she is wondering what others have experienced regarding the phone since she has observed that her parent’s hired help is constantly on her phone.
Technically, of course the OP can wash her hands off any responsibilities and not care about who is caring for her mother but it appears to me that she is not being a buttinsky but is concerned about the quality of care that her parents are receiving from their caregiver.
I personally think that it is wonderful for the OP to care about her parents but if her parents aren’t complaining about it, then she could do herself and her parents a favor by forgetting about it unless the caregiver is neglecting her job and her parents are suffering in some sort of way.
In that case, she should be complimented on being an advocate for her parents.
As I said in the beginning, much depends upon what she was hired to DO and if she is DOING it satisfactorily. If I had to have caregivers in my home I would MUCH rather have them chatting on their phone than bothering ME. But that's a personal decision. I think OP should let her parents make their own decisions.
Occasional phone use is acceptable for some but never excessive use. I had this situation once and I had to ask for a replacement.
When I called it turned out that the agency had already fired her because they received numerous complaints about this particular caregiver not doing her job adequately.
Caregivers get breaks and time off. They can use their phone at that time.
It’s a matter of common sense as well. I didn’t care if a caregiver was using her phone if my mom was napping.
The agency that we used stressed that their caregivers were also companions to the elderly. They enjoyed playing a card game with my mom, watching television with her or sharing a meal or snack with her. The caregiver knew that I kept their favorite snacks available for them to enjoy along with food for meals.
You said the ‘key’ words, ‘as long as the work is done.’
I had no problem either if the person did their job.
A person who is occasionally on the phone is very different from someone who is excessively on the phone.
I had one caregiver for mom that did chores first, then was on the phone.
I had another caregiver who did NO chores and played on the phone constantly! I had to tell the agency that she wasn’t suitable for caregiving and to send someone else.
like it either.
It is ABSOLUTELY her business! Who do you think is paying the caregiver’s salary?
Who do you think wants the best care possible for her loved one?
Unless it is an emergency the caregiver should not be on the phone. She is being paid to do a job. If she is unhappy in that job she can find a new profession.
Caregivers have time off and can be on their phone all they want on their own time!
Geeeeeez, what a ridiculous response!
Call the agency and politely explain your situation now.
Ask them to discuss or remind their employee about phone usage while on the clock.
Don’t hesitate to explain in detail the needs of your loved one and please be honest if this person is not meeting those needs.
If you feel a replacement caregiver is needed then ask the agency to send a different person to care for your loved one.
Simply explain that she isn’t a good fit for your needs.
If several clients have complained about her excessive time on the phone, chances are that this person will be fired and will no longer be a problem for anyone.
If I were running an agency I would want honest feedback from my clients. Nothing can be addressed or resolved if you don’t bring it to their attention.
Best wishes to you and your family. I hope your situation is resolved soon.