I took my mom to an Italian grocery/catering this past Wednesday afternoon. I bought her two 32oz containers of hearty soup, a 5lb baked ziti and two large crab cakes. I spent about $40. I was happy she would have this food for a good week, so I thought. I took her to dinner tonight and she told me everything I got for her at the Italian place was delicious. I took her home and opened her fridge and asked her where all the food was and she just shrugged. My mom usually eats a heavier lunch and light dinner. It’s in the caregivers contract not to eat her food, btw. I'm OK if they want to try a small taste, but they’re obviously chowing down. I know her caregivers are big eaters, too. I’m very put off by this. The monthly cost for their service is extremely high and now meals too? Also, my mom eats her dinner at 6 after they leave so the caregivers must’ve eaten everything at lunch in the last 2 days. She uses the caregivers from 8 till 5.
Yeah, do as Peggy says, remind them again not to eat her food.
Hey, Peggy
I actually did place laxatives as bait in my lunch. A coworker kept stealing my lunch out of our lounge refrigerator. He took the bait and after that day he never stole my lunch again. LOL 😆 It was chocolate ex lax! Do they still make that? I was in my 20’s when I did that.
I would remind the aides that Mom does not provide meals. Even if she says its OK, please do not eat her food. Then explain what you buy her, needs to last till the next time you visit. Don't accuse, Mom may have invited them and does not want to admit it.
It cost us very little and made everyone feel more friendly to each other. Glad we did it.
How kind, though, and I would imagine so appreciated.
OP
Good caregiving help is hard to find. What sort of bind would you find yourself in if they leave over $40 worth of food?
Did they have the lunch WITH your Mom? I’d imagine she enjoyed having somebody to eat with.
The two women that care for my mom don’t eat any of her food. But if they are hungry of course they could.
Before my dad went to the nursing home, my parents always sat down to a nice dinner that the caregiver prepared under my mom’s supervision. The caregiver was always invited to eat with them.
I try to be decent, it’s a hard job and I am thankful that our caregivers do it so well. When I am staying with my mom, I will drive the afternoon caregiver home at night. She lives close by and does not have a car. I want her to know she is appreciated. She is part of our team.
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