Our Caregiver quit unexpectedly

Gator1976

Our last caregiver we had lasted 4 months. She was great, then things fell apart. I won’t get into the whole story but another “client” started demanding more time due to breaking an ankle. Over the 2 weeks she just slowly decreased her time with us, then one day didn’t show up with no phone call or anything to alert us to her quitting. Then wouldn’t return my call.
‘I have started to reach out to friends for new references on possible caregivers to hire.

I feel much more comfortable with personal refers from people I know and trust. I’ve not had any luck. The one I found and talked to on the phone and set a timeframe for her to meet my LO, she just stopped answering my phone calls. I thought I had her hired.

I’m avoiding contacting organizations who provide these services as my understanding is they provide a caregiver but don’t guarantee the same person each time. My wife is very aware of each day, where she is and is not a wanderer. She knows not to use the stove or touch her medication unless I give it to her. Yet, our neurologist is insistent on me having her supervised 24/7.
Is this true organizations like: The Council on aging, ALZ Assoc. Visiting Angles, there may be others don’t guarantee the same person each time?

Does anyone know of organizations who match caregivers to patients as an ongoing care 1 on 1 same person? I’m afraid to contact some of these as they will share my contact info to anyone they think could give them a “sale” and get enough spam, robo call’s and texts. I don’t need more.
Help is much appreciated!

Michele P

I am making calls to try and help you. Will be in touch.

​fesk

If you are going to go the agency route, contact the agencies directly by phone. Call more than one. If you have a schedule that you would like to have an aide for, let them know it. Tell them you want one aide if possible. if not, no more than 2. Tell them you want consistency. They know this is important for someone with Alzheimer's. Also, tell them exactly what you want the aide to do. When the aide is selected, go over those responsibilities with the aide and agency both present.

Agencies do not normally send a different person all the time. However, they can't guarantee anything like they claim either. I've dealt with caregivers and agencies for many years. It is an unfortunate fact that they are unreliable.

The agencies will tell you they match the aide to the person. They try but they send whoever they can get. I used to meet the caregivers before hiring.

Do a search for home health agencies and review some websites. Pick a few that look good to you, have been in business a while, run all the appropriate background checks, etc. A few names that pop into my mind are Home Instead, Senior Helpers, Right at Home, Visiting Angels, etc. This will vary by your location. I wouldn't contact anyplace that will find agencies for you.

Victoriaredux

The employee time an agency uses to schedule is non productive/non billable time so they are just as interested as you in getting a steady good match. I've found that when a long term person quits or gets ill it typically takes trying 1-3 people for a good fit .

But its priceless when you get a 9 am call and they say - XX is unavailable- they are sick, car trouble ,whatever — we can offer MM - do you want her/him today ? Better than radio silence . And saves you the tax prep, background checks, workers comp insurance etc etc .

"She knows not to use the stove or touch her medication unless I give it to her. Yet, our neurologist is insistent on me having her supervised 24/7. " Sounds like your wife is in the stage where she sounds and acknowledges things normally like in the past BUT based on the Dr's opinion I think you maybe overestimating her memory and ability to process complex thoughts. Their voices still sound like normal for a long time and us humans are optimistic sorts -we are wired to assume that things are fine behind that voice. Alas, the brain is slowly doing its erratic unpredictable decline . You can't rely on it anymore.

Set things up for safety first [locked meds , stove locks etc] . A house fire or worse and then you'd be looking at MC for her and an insurance nightmare for you—and losing your home & its memories .

harshedbuzz

@Gator1976

Agencies can often offer the same individual if 1) you are flexible about the schedule and 2) you can offer said individual the number of hours/times they're looking to work. A day program would likely be a great option— she'd get socialization at a more cost-effective price point.

IME, a lot of primary caregivers look at their LOs through loving eyes and tend to dwell on their PWD's "best". Mom certainly had rose-tinted goggles with my dad longer than she should have. It would never occur to him to cook or go for a walk. She once asked me to come to the house to answer questions of the tech crew installing a new HVAC system because she didn't want dad mixing it up with them. During the install, the techs warned us the smoke detectors would go off. Two minutes later they did. Dad sat for at least 20 seconds before asking what the noise was. I told him. After another 20+ seconds, he got up to look for mom forgetting she was out. He did not call 911 or ask me to. In would have died in a real fire.

HB

Chance Rider

My only experience with an in home caregiver is through an agency but our first person has been exceptional. In our case the VA chose, and pays for, care through a local agency. I know they will provide a substitute if the need arises but we have the same person each week. We’re in a very rural area so I was worried about finding someone but my husband’s “person” lives just minutes from us. I had hesitated to bring someone in but it’s been a great experience so far.

My husband doesn’t attempt to cook, hasn’t driven in years, and is physically able. My biggest concern was if he’d know what to do in an emergency. I’m much more at ease having someone with him. Having the agency handle payroll is a huge plus.