[PA01]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading through the posts here (I'm a new user), and noticed a lot of you have had problems with unreliable/unsuitable PAs and carers. I just wanted to say that there are some great PAs out there, don't lose faith in all of us!
I have been working with my current client for some time now and we have a fantastic working relationship, and a wonderful friendship to go with it. Sure we have our bad days where we snap and snarl at each other, but communication is the only way to overcome the bad days. A simple "I'm in a bad mood today, it is me, not you" usually does the trick.
Many of my tetra friends also have great relationships with their PAs as well. I realise it can be disheartening to have dodgey PA after dodgey PA, and have a stranger come into your home and personal space - but sometimes great friendships arise.
I have heard stories of theft, not showing up, leaving without saying anything...And it horrifies me. I can never imagine doing that to any of my clients, it makes me feel ill to think about it.
I just wanted to give you some hope that we're not all bad!

Cheers
C

[Scribbler]

PA01, on Jan 29 2010, 09:51 AM, said:

Hi everyone,

I've been reading through the posts here (I'm a new user), and noticed a lot of you have had problems with unreliable/unsuitable PAs and carers. I just wanted to say that there are some great PAs out there, don't lose faith in all of us!
I have been working with my current client for some time now and we have a fantastic working relationship, and a wonderful friendship to go with it. Sure we have our bad days where we snap and snarl at each other, but communication is the only way to overcome the bad days. A simple "I'm in a bad mood today, it is me, not you" usually does the trick.
Many of my tetra friends also have great relationships with their PAs as well. I realise it can be disheartening to have dodgey PA after dodgey PA, and have a stranger come into your home and personal space - but sometimes great friendships arise.
I have heard stories of theft, not showing up, leaving without saying anything...And it horrifies me. I can never imagine doing that to any of my clients, it makes me feel ill to think about it.
I just wanted to give you some hope that we're not all bad!

Cheers
C

As a PA user I agree with you. As many members here know, I've employed some brilliant PA's. Most stay long term, but even when they leave, they still stay in touch and also visit me.

I treat my PA's as I wish to be treated, so they appreciate that.

I've only had 1 problem with theft and a couple of PA's who couldn't do the job, but I have a Contract of Employment, which states the PA is on a 2 week probationary period.

If you check my Posts you will see some of my PA's, who enjoyed the Celebrity status of being mentioned on this Site.

[PA01]

I will definitely keep in touch with my client when I move on...He's introduced me to some of my closest friends, and given me experiences I would never have had in a "normal" 9-5 type job. I know he keeps in touch with most of his ex-PAs too - going to their weddings, visiting them in other countries. It's nice to know there are those of us who love our job!

This post has been edited by PA01: 29 January 2010 - 11:07 AM

[Scribbler]

PA01, on Jan 29 2010, 11:06 AM, said:

I will definitely keep in touch with my client when I move on...He's introduced me to some of my closest friends, and given me experiences I would never have had in a "normal" 9-5 type job. I know he keeps in touch with most of his ex-PAs too - going to their weddings, visiting them in other countries. It's nice to know there are those of us who love our job!

Would you please take a moment to fill out a little of your Profile? You don't have to include personal information, but a general location would be useful for other Members.

[PA01]

Would you please take a moment to fill out a little of your Profile? You don't have to include personal information, but a general location would be useful for other Members.
[/quote]

I have filled out a little - don't want to give too much away due to client confidentiality, but I hope that at least helps! I am in South East England :-)

[Inger]

There are some great providers out there...and there are some really awful ones. Kind of like there are many nice people in the world in general, and there are quite a few stinkers, too. I have both worked as a paid provider years ago (staying with clients for several years at a time), had the task of hiring providers as an ALF administrator later on, and currently assist my fiance with his ADL's. I have unfortunately had to contact protective services on more than one occasion to report situations of suspected abuse or neglect. I guess my best advice for anyone trying to hire a provider is to check references thoroughly, and insist on a probationary period to make sure that the person is reliable and just generally a good fit for the particular situation.

[kjm465]

Funny that I should come across this post tonight. Hope no one minds some venting...

We have been, on the whole, pretty lucky. My hubby has been with the same agency since coming home 12 years ago and most of the staff are excellent...and frankly the crappy ones don't last. We have two now that have been around a LONG time (one for 9+ years!) and consider ourselves very fortunate. That being said, we have had our share of experiences with unqualified, dishonest and no-show caregivers. We even had one incident where the agency had to get the police involved because the care aide was fired after 1 shift and wouldn't return the keys...scary.

We are nervous though, because our current agency will no longer be providing care as of Feb. 15. We have a 2 week "transition" period starting Monday with a new agency (all new care aids!) so we are crossing our fingers that all will go well. If anyone out there cares to say a prayer (or two or three!), we would sure appreciate it.

I always struggle with unqualified caregivers, because on one hand I want my husband to get the best care possible. But on the other hand, where we live, if I show that I know how to do something, care dollars won't be provided for that activity anymore. It's a constant stuggle, because right now our relationship works much better when I don't do his everyday care. We are lucky that we do get funding to cover the care he needs, but we have to be very, very, careful not to compromise that.

Example: Caregiver does bowel routine incorrectly and husband has an accident. I have 2 choices: I can call and report the caregiver and have the agency send staff to clean up the mess (not always possible at night); or I can clean up my husband. My heart says to just clean him up and get on with it, but the trouble is that then the caregiver (and more imporantly the agency) doesn't accept that there's a problem and it happens again...and again...and again.

Don't get me wrong, I understand that this is an ongoing part of life, but it sure is nice to express these frustrations to people who get it.

At any rate...we will see how things go come Monday. Thanks for listening,
K

[PA01]

kjm465, on Jan 31 2010, 06:55 AM, said:

Funny that I should come across this post tonight. Hope no one minds some venting...

We have been, on the whole, pretty lucky. My hubby has been with the same agency since coming home 12 years ago and most of the staff are excellent...and frankly the crappy ones don't last. We have two now that have been around a LONG time (one for 9+ years!) and consider ourselves very fortunate. That being said, we have had our share of experiences with unqualified, dishonest and no-show caregivers. We even had one incident where the agency had to get the police involved because the care aide was fired after 1 shift and wouldn't return the keys...scary.

We are nervous though, because our current agency will no longer be providing care as of Feb. 15. We have a 2 week "transition" period starting Monday with a new agency (all new care aids!) so we are crossing our fingers that all will go well. If anyone out there cares to say a prayer (or two or three!), we would sure appreciate it.

I always struggle with unqualified caregivers, because on one hand I want my husband to get the best care possible. But on the other hand, where we live, if I show that I know how to do something, care dollars won't be provided for that activity anymore. It's a constant stuggle, because right now our relationship works much better when I don't do his everyday care. We are lucky that we do get funding to cover the care he needs, but we have to be very, very, careful not to compromise that.

Example: Caregiver does bowel routine incorrectly and husband has an accident. I have 2 choices: I can call and report the caregiver and have the agency send staff to clean up the mess (not always possible at night); or I can clean up my husband. My heart says to just clean him up and get on with it, but the trouble is that then the caregiver (and more imporantly the agency) doesn't accept that there's a problem and it happens again...and again...and again.

Don't get me wrong, I understand that this is an ongoing part of life, but it sure is nice to express these frustrations to people who get it.

At any rate...we will see how things go come Monday. Thanks for listening,
K

Hi K

I hope it works out for you, and you find someone who is both compatible AND good at their job :-)
Best of luck

C

[qbounce]

PA01 said:

Example: Caregiver does bowel routine incorrectly and husband has an accident. I have 2 choices: I can call and report the caregiver and have the agency send staff to clean up the mess (not always possible at night); or I can clean up my husband. My heart says to just clean him up and get on with it, but the trouble is that then the caregiver (and more imporantly the agency) doesn't accept that there's a problem and it happens again...and again...and again.

PA01,

All I can suggest is take pictures

How else can you get them to believe you?? And of course your going to clean it up instead of waiting for the agency to come do it! It's absurd to think that's even a viable option due to an increased risk of getting a UTI while waiting . . . . not to mention the undignified feeling.

On another note, I had a carer come and help me for about a year. The MAIN problem I had with her during this time is when she left at night . . . . until I married her. Problem solved!!!

[PA01]

qbounce, on Jan 31 2010, 03:56 PM, said:

PA01 said:

Example: Caregiver does bowel routine incorrectly and husband has an accident. I have 2 choices: I can call and report the caregiver and have the agency send staff to clean up the mess (not always possible at night); or I can clean up my husband. My heart says to just clean him up and get on with it, but the trouble is that then the caregiver (and more imporantly the agency) doesn't accept that there's a problem and it happens again...and again...and again.

PA01,

All I can suggest is take pictures

How else can you get them to believe you?? And of course your going to clean it up instead of waiting for the agency to come do it! It's absurd to think that's even a viable option due to an increased risk of getting a UTI while waiting . . . . not to mention the undignified feeling.

On another note, I had a carer come and help me for about a year. The MAIN problem I had with her during this time is when she left at night . . . . until I married her. Problem solved!!!

Hey qbounce,

That was K that had the issues...and as much as I don't have problems doing bowel management (lucky since it's my job!) I don't think I'll be taking pictures anytime soon

It still never ceases to amaze me how some people get into this job if they can't do it properly or couldn't be arsed doing it properly!

As for marrying your caregiver - way to make sure you're not left alone at night! Good work buddy! I'm hearing more stories of love blossoming from the delightful rigours of bowel routines and such like

[kjm465]

Hey guys,

Thanks for your support. :-)

UPDATE: We've just finished Day 4 of 14. The goal was to have 6 new Caregivers trained and be ready to go independently on Day 15 (15 Feb.) . Here's where we're at:

One is great. Spent several years working with MS patients in group homes and is totally willing to lear. No problems.

One quit after one shift.

One no-showed the first shift. Wow.

One has zero experience. Nada. But seems eager. Tonight he did ROM for the first time ever and seems not too bad. Time will tell.

Interesting how every person to walk through our door thus far has been born on a different continent. I refuse to comment on whether this is good or bad, however I am observing that it is interesting that Canadian-born people don't often choose to get their PCA (Personal Care Aide Certification). Anyone else notice this?

On the plus side, the "trainer" caregivers are giving the best care we've ever seen. You wouldn't believe the quality of bed-making around here. The Hilton is jealous. Hopefully the good habits will rub off.

That's all I've got so far. I have been home for every shift, but I stay out of the way unless I'm asked because I figure they have to learn somehow. Is this cruel?

K

[catmint]

Hi PA

I would agree that there are good P.As and not so good. Sometimes it is because the client and P.A don't gel but in my experience that is rare.

Can I ask if you are working for an agency? I understand you don't want to be too specific but a yes or no is fine.

Also, were you trained in Bowel management at a Spinal Unit?

It seems many agencies who are not 'spinal' are sending their P.A/carers to a unit for training. This is IMO a very good thing.

[PA01]

Hi Catmint,

I don't work for an agency anymore, but I did previously. Now I am privately employed

I have a degree in medical science, but was also trained in bowel management both in a classroom environment and on the job, so to speak. It was pretty much the focus of the whole spinal training course, for good reason. I felt very prepared the first time I had to do it with my first client.