Just Curious Im new in my career as a caregiver. I have only been at my current cargiving job for three weeks. What do you do when all the client wants to do is talk about life or play cards? I feel some what guilty when I am going to the home to clean, do dishes, clean floors, bathrooms and kitchens and the client doesnt want me to, but instead wants to chit chat or play cards. What the right reponse to the client? I keep asking if she is sure she doesnt need me to do anything but she says nope just talk to me or play cards etc etc etc...I feel like if Im not working Im taking advantage......need advice and thanks :)
so consider it time well spent.
And document everything. If you feel that part of your job is not getting done because you are tending to the social needs of your client write a little note in your documentation explaining why some tasks are not getting done. Use your client's exact words in your document: "Mrs. Smith said she'd rather I sit and play cards with her than have her kitchen tidied up."
If someone tells you that it's all well and good that you're sitting with your client and visiting but that you still have to complete other tasks then hit the ground running when you get there. It's perfectly acceptable to tell your client, "Mrs. Smith, I was told by ________ that these tasks had to be done so as soon as I'm done we'll play some cards."
It's only been 3 weeks. You'll get the hang of it.
I hire professional care givers for mom regularly. They come prepared to throw in some laundry, do dishes, fill/empty the dishwasher, vacuum -- whatever. No. All I want them to do is socialize with mom, take the sandwich and fixin's out of the fridge at the appropriate time and give her her pills as instructed.
At first, they feel the same way you do. They'll offer to do all sorts of things. And they always clean up after themselves and mom. But mom doesn't need a cleaning lady. She needs company...socializing and attention.
Don't feel guilty!!