After we had a caregiver steal money from my dad (91 yrs) we put in a Nest security camera in his living room to 1. make sure he's ok and 2. keep an eye on things during the day when the caregiver is there. The new caregiver makes his food then heads straight the recliner and literally lays on it all day. She does not know that the security camera is in the room. Is that normal for caregivers to pretty much lay or sit around all day? Its too hot to go outside and they sit and watch t.v.. If its normal then I'll bite my tongue. And he appears to get along ok with her when she engages in coversation.
We discussed the parameters of the contract (what the caregivers could/could not do) and from there made daily/weekly/bi-weekly tasks and care that needed to be done. These tasks and care included days for bathing/grooming, light household chores, Mom's favorite shows and activities. Believe it or not it worked!
A couple of tips: Keep the list to one piece of paper and don't forget to allow for a date and initials next to each task/care duty. We even left a couple of lines for "Other" and you would be surprised at what was entered. The caregivers really enjoyed it and every once in a while we would give them a gift card as a little bonus, it really does help to acknowledge them and the difficult job they are doing.
Mom was happier, the caregivers seemed to be, and most of all we felt like they were more engaged and actually were communicating with u on a more regular basis. Remember, they don't know what they are expected to do unless you tell them, they do not want to take advantage of anyone, they are there to help, so set guidelines - you will be glad you did!
Is cleaning a part of the job description? If so is that being done?
Is bathing a part of the job? Is that done?
Is routine change of positions part of the job? It should be if he is not real mobile. At least every two hours there should be a change of positions or at least get up to go to the wash room if he is mobile.
Is meal preparation part of the job? Is that being done?
Is your Dad very verbal? If so the caregiver should be engaging in as much conversation as he can participate in.
Is the caregiver getting him involved in some sort of activity? Coloring, cards, reading to him, puzzles......
If everything is being done then there really is not more to do than to sit and watch TV.
You could modify the aspects of the job if you want. If light house cleaning is not part of this particular job description you might want to add it.
If helping him bathe and dress is not part of her morning you might want to add that.
The tasks of a caregiver evolve as the client declines so adding new tasks is not unusual.
But a discussion should be had about your expectations.
I think you could expect more from the care giver. Talk to her agency...
If you are not happy I would ask the aide to do more and then give her specific ideas.
If you have other tasks for her like light cleaning, laundry, change bedding, take out trash, she should be doing that. That might only take an hour or 2 a day.
If you don't then, why isn't it ok for her to keep him company? He enjoys it. She probably has to watch old reruns. That isn't a lot of fun after the 1st hour.
Unless you have a massive daily chore list, I don't see what the problem is. If she is off doing all these chores, will your dad get up and go looking for her?
She is right there with your dad. She is being a companion and keeping an eye on him. Unless she is ignoring the other duties, I don't see what the problem is. Your dad probably loves it.
In nursing homes residents sit and watch tv, watch the staff, and nap between meals. They are mostly in their rooms. Not a lot of talking going on. The staff yes, residents no.
They have activities, but only a small core group usually does them. A full hour of activies is usually a lot, and it wears them out. Most have to nap afterwards. Your lucky to keep their attention up to 30 mins. A lot bail in the 1st 10 mins.
There are activities you can look up online that they might do together. That might only interest your dad for so long. It can also agitate him if he knows his mind isnt what it used to be, and your asking him to use logic and thinking for a half hour project.
You might be looking at this from an active person standpoint. He is 91. If your paying her to be a companion, she is doing that. I think that in itself is worth something. Not a lot in the nursing home get 1 on 1 companion time.
It all depends on what type caregiver was hired and what is in their contract, if there even is a contract.
If she is an independent caregiver,..... is she a sitter or a medical professional? If she is an independent caregiver, not working with an agency, there may not be a contract and therefore you need to get her services in writing of some type.
Not all caregivers, either independent or hired through an agency, clean or cook. You also can not demand it, if there is a contract and you are demanding something not specified in the contract.
Some caregivers are just there for medical assistance. ....giving meds, treating wounds, turning the patient, toileting, bathing etc. They are not required to clean. For that you have to hire a maid service or a different type of caregiver.
You can install cameras in your home. If you think she is stealing you can plant money somewhere and train the camera on the place the money is hidden. If she snoops, finds it and steals it and you have this on camera you can have her arrested.
Unfortunately, with my grandfather, we even had one through an agency that was failing to fulfill the duties specified in her contract, and also stole several items.
Sadly this is very common.
We went through at least four caregivers until we found a helpful, honest, trustworthy caregiver.
Unfortunately, many people do not read their contracts, or even have one, and then they have unrealistic expectations about the agreed upon duties of the caregiver.
Get it in writing. If it is not in writing it does not count.