I am the caregiver for a 65 year old senior whom was diagnosed with Early onset Adult Alzheimer's Disease.
I have been sick maybe one day this entire year. I have had a migraine for two days, and really needed to take the time for myself, and this daughter, whom has not had a hand in any of the things that I do with her mother during the day, just cannot believe I would make her life so miserable by calling in sick. Keep in mind, I found my own replacement.
This girl is 30 years old, and feels she owns me. The worse of it. I am paid less than $200 for a week.
Can someone help me with how to turn around the situation so that I am in control? I feel that this daughter has no thanks for what I do, and just expects me to be at her beckon call.
Sure, I am caring for an Alzheimer's patient, but this gets me very burned out, when the family does not even know what we do during the day, or take the time to go to any of her brain fitness classes that I found for her. Advice?
I know caretakers make at least between $9 to $35 an hour in my area. That is $72 a day to $280 a day for 8hr @ an agency with benefits. Could you clarify? Your second post confused me.
I would use that to leverage proper behavior from the daughter, explaining that you have cared for her mother for x years, have a good relationship with her but don't feel that the daughter is treating you with respect, which is mandatory if she wishes you to continue providing care.
Present her with a list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors - you don't go into detail, so I'm not sure what she's doing, but she needs to be put in her place. I would even ask her to sign the list, in the form of a contract. Be firm; she sounds like she needs to be set straight.
Caring for someone on a long term basis can distort the balance between self interest and the interest of the cared for person. Your first priority is to yourself, even though you are really fond of the woman for whom you provide care. In addition, if you back down from the daughter, she'll know she can dominate and boss you around.
Good luck and I hope you find an acceptable solution.
I've been working privately with the elderly for about 30 years. My work comes from word of mouth. Doing a good job and paying attention to detail is why I feel my name/reputation has been passed along. I also do not sell myself short! I charge what agency charges. Where I live the rate is $25/hr. There are no benefits when you work for yourself. e.g., paid holiday off, paid sick/personal time or health benefits. You should point that out IF you are questioned about your rate. Your time is just as valuable as anyone else. It's not easy work and if you are doing a very good job then you should be compensated for it. After all those families hiring you cannot or do not want to do the services that you are providing.
Pass your name along to doctor offices first because sometimes families will ask the office if they any recommendations. Leave your name and services provided with church organizations for their bulletins. (Be careful when you go to interview...not everyone is a saint. You may want to have someone in the car waiting.) check with local hospice agencies that do not provide nursing care for more than an hour or two a day. I've had calls from family looking to fill entire shifts. Be professional and don't bring personal problems to work because most people have their own. Along with doing a good job, stay upbeat and be dependable. It may take a little while but you will find work or should I say...work will find you!
As to your post.....no one owns you. No one is doing you a favor or giving you a job to make you life better. You are providing a service and should be respected for the work that you do. If not, then move along because there is plenty of work out there! Best Wishes..:)