My Grandad is 92 and has prostate and bone cancer. Despite his age and dx he gets around well on his own for the most part... But there seems to be a cycle where he does well for 1 or 2 months and then gets sick and needs me to stay home with him. He usually does not become well enough to be on his own and is admitted to the hospital. I have been naive thinking that I could care for him by myself. I am also jaded by the bad experiences we've had with the caregivers we've had both from agencies and private. I'm feeling desperate, but I don't want to offer too much money, especially to a caregiver who does not have a lot of experience. Of course, too little money would be wrong, too. I want to do the right things in hiring a caregiver. Any suggestions?
I obviously don't do this for the big bucks, but I thoroughly enjoy my job because of what I can give back to the patient and their family members (giving them relief and a sound mind knowing their loved ones are being well cared for - you really can't put a price on that!). I don't think it is too much to pay a genuine caregiver $20+ an hour, especially to care for your loved one. Also, many family members will list a multitude of things that they want the caregiver to do, however when you are running errands/transportation please keep in mind that the caregiver is using their car to do this. This is more wear and tear than if you we were just going to a 9-5 job where you drive to and drive home and we must pay for gas which is often not factored in.
Again, I love my job, but the pay of $9.50 which is what I am making now with an agency is very discouraging and nearly impossible to live on. REMEMBER YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU GET!
Are you paying your own health insurance premiums? Is the family taking federal and/or state deductions from your paycheck?
But $15 to me is low; however, I haven't dealt directly with employees, only with agencies.
Perhaps you could discuss with this woman, or her family, the fact that you feel you're underpaid. After a year you should be getting a raise anyway.