I just started an "career" in care-giving for Home Instead for over two months. This is just one of my three part-time jobs to support my family as a divorce parent. I know that I have the right attributes for this type of industry. Like any job, there are the negative aspects. As I give my best efforts of care giving and represent Home Instead, I find myself in awkward situations with clients. For example, being accused of stealing (I immediately reported this and asked not to work with this client again right after my shift was over with) and not locking the door when the client let me outside the door (I was told that the client's son reported this and therefore I can't take care of his mother anymore). These are just a few. I'm still getting more assignments so there must be some good reports that I'm not hearing about. LOL Just how do I keep my head up and have a positive attitude and not be in fear of being terminated?
I have had a range of things happen, even a broken leg by a client, whose family would not listen to me that she had a UTI... I'm not trying to frighten you, just simply telling you that this is not a job for someone whose heart is not in it.... We all go thru the stage of learning to not take it personal....so hang in there, if you really feel this is your calling, then learn, educate yourself..... ect. I personally do not work for an agency..... the downside being that I have no one to advocate for me.... but it makes me be very aware of many things.... Respecting their privacy.... not getting involved with the family dynamics...learning when to leave the room when family is there, ect....
You'll do great... just hang in there, give yourself some time....and come back here and share what is going on..... we care, and we understand.... paid or not.... this is a very hard job.... so sending you hugs for joining the forces that help familes...
The accusation of stealing? It happens. If you still have a job it's because your agency is aware of this particular client and his/her accusations. You don't have to accept that client anymore if it makes you uncomfortable and your agency should understand this.
We go into people's homes where there is illness and family and possible family dysfunction. We're there for one reason and that's to care for the patient. In my job I'm only there for an hour or so but caregivers are there for hours and hours and see and experience so much more than I do. I'd go to the caregiver if I had a question about something before I'd go to the family because the caregiver is always there and is (should be) objective. We're not there to be friends with our clients although it can kind of seem like that since we spend time with them in their home. We meet their family. It creates a false intimacy that some caregivers can mistake for real personal relationships. But in working in home healthcare we are professionals. We are detached. We observe privacy laws when discussing our client with someone else and we don't get too comfortable because we're in someone else's home. And we stay out of family arguments. Getting in the middle of a family dispute the only person who's going to lose is the caregiver because she can be replaced.
Good luck on your new job! Give yourself time to learn the ropes and always ask questions. You are the patient's impression of what a home healthcare aide is. Maybe their only impression. Or maybe they've had aides who clashed with the family or aides who didn't otherwise work out. You can be an answer to a prayer and help someone through a difficult time. And if you get a regular client that you like and with good hours hang onto that client for dear life. It can be very rewarding for everyone.
The industry needs good people who truly enjoy this work and you mentioned you have the right attributes for it. If you have a good relationship with your supervisor and can discuss problems openly, it should work out. Try not to take any accusations personally - and realize it is part of this type of work and most likely will occur again. Wishing you luck.