No my client is not a relative. I did hand in all my food/ house receipts and I did get reimbursed the other day, minus the cable and internet bill I have to pay for in my room. They told me to give them the receipts at the end if the month. I was really hoping they were going to give me house money so I'm not always using my own money, but it wasn't even offered. I feel like I'm in a corner, I've never had to pay for any other clients food before.
You don't complain, but for myself I'm shocked. Shocked that a family hiring a professional caregiver could even begin to think it appropriate to expect the caregiver to advance money to her client and then request reimbursement.
Boy, have they put the cart before the horse!
They should provide you with a credit card and/or a petty cash fund for your client's upkeep. You then provide them with a detailed monthly account, with receipts. It works that way round. Your client's family has got it back to front.
Not one cent should come out of your pocket to pay for your client's needs. No, not even if they pay you back. No, no way is that acceptable.
Happily, you don't sound nearly as indignant as I feel about it so you will be able to explain to them nicely how things are done.
Then separate your feelings from the business end and tell them something like:
"I cannot possibly do that". "I need to re-negotiate the advancing money part, and will no longer be able to advance any funds to care for your loved one".
"This is highly irregular, you need to provide the funds to care for your elder or shop for him/her yourself"
"I understand how this arrangement is more convenient for you, however I need the money you pay me to live on, and will no longer use my funds to care for your elder".
"No, I cannot possibly do that"
"Can you provide the funds to shop for (insert name here) in a pre-paid card since we now have an idea what to expect monthly."
etc. etc.
So, now how do you feel about being exploited by your employer?
Don't get emotional with the client, and don't talk about how you feel. Talk about what needs to happen, and what has happened in other households you have worked in.
"I don't have the money to pay you right now because I loaned the money to my driver to gamble when he took us to the casino, I will pay you later."