Subscribe to RSSSunday Caregiver Search Continues
Well we searched, asked for references and thought we had a Sunday caregiver. I talked with a caregiver and interviewed her over the phone. We set an appointment for her to come by the house to meet with us and see where she would take care of Gladys and go over her responsibilities. I wrote up a Caregivers Agreement that included: work day and hours, pay days, pay rate, lead time to call for absentees, lead time for me to contact her if I don’t need her, termination conditions and that she was responsible for reporting her salary to the IRS. Everything was set.
Oops, I forgot to tell her that we have two cats. It turns out that she is very allergic to cats, so it’s back to the starting blocks.
In a way, I think this worked out for the best because the lady is a member of my church. I had met her before but don’t really know her. She was highly recommended by a friend who works for Social Services but when we talked face to face she was just a little too familiar for me. I want this arrangement to be strictly business. I’m not looking for someone to be my friend, to hang out with or to talk on the phone. I’m looking for a business arrangement.
If I end up with someone from my church, it will be someone who can separate a personal relationship from a business relationship. The search continues, wish me luck.
6 People have left comments on this post
Apr 6, 2009 - 02:04:40I hear you on this one, Valerie. It is the very scenario that creates so much tension among women in domestic situations like this. Is it business or is it friendship? Can we ask someone to give intimate care to a loved one and at the same time hold them off? Can we insist that it should just be about the money and yet expect the same loving kindness that a relative gives or is expected to give? We were able to strike a fairly good balance with my mother in law’s caregiver, but our relationship was never satisfactory.
Valerie, I agree also that a strictly business arragement is a smart way to go. Still frustrating beginning all over again. I am quite happy with the lady we have for Chrissy – she is with Home Helpers. Speaking of which, I have been so aggravated and frustrated with Ms.Chrissy this weekend. Anyway, good luck with the search for Sunday assistance.
Hi Valerie,
We’ll be looking at outside caregivers soon. Is there a reason why you’re doing all the work yourself instead of working through an agency? Is there something you know about working with agencies that you’re preferring to do the work yourself?
@KWiz – Since we are only looking for 1 day a week for a few hours, I decided to use my resources. I know quite a few social workers and nurses who work with elderly people and am using them for references of caregivers they have personally observed. Also, an agency takes a fee off the top of what the caregiver is paid. I’d rather give the entire fee to the caregiver, especially since a few hours a week won’t amount to a lot of money.
Good luck with your search.
Hi, Valerie. I have been reading about the fate of women like Gladys if they have no advocates, no one to look after them. It makes me understand why you are willing to make the sacrifices you do. But when do we get the change we need in eldercare?
Hattie, unfortunately members of congress and the senate will have to be affected by elder care issues before real change happens.
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