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.
As a 24/7 caregiver for my DH, the days do tend to get boring - and we all pray for no emergencies.
You need to google "responsibilities of a caregiver" - - - compare them to what a babysitter is responsible for. Basically, it's to make sure the person isn't alone, isn't injured and receives assistance when needed. It's someone who can dial "911" when the need arises.
A Caregiver is NOT a Housekeeper and should not be expected to do your housework. Cleaning a few breakfast, lunch & dinner dishes "maybe" but they should not be expected to cook your dinner for when you get home.
**P.S. I should think you could ask the person if they would LIKE a couple of tasks to pass the day. But if you saw your caregiver cleaning/straightening up things - you could wind up accusing her of snooping and/or stealing. You can't have it both ways.
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.
If you are not happy I would ask the aide to do more and then give her specific ideas.
Might check into privacy laws.
You’ve worked it through and that removes a layer of stress.
Add that to your basics checklist and run it mentally from time to time to reconfirm that you are doing a good job taking care of your dad.
it wouldn’t be normal in my house. Since your dad likes her I would give her a list of chores to do each day that wouldn’t leave much time for tv. It is company to him I’m sure but I think you could do better. I would put a sticker or notice up that a camera is being used. Sometimes that’s all it takes to make people more aware that better behavior is required. Check your states laws if you are concerned.