ZhugeSimp t1_j7781bh wrote on February 4, 2023 at 4:41 PM

Reply to comment by herewego199209 in Iowa Alzheimer's care facility is fined $10,000 after pronouncing a living woman dead by JoelJohnstone

How about paying us more than min wage if you don't want the worst people to take this job.

Almost all "good" caregivers are actively trying to jump ship to hospitals. I only became a caregiver for the resume experience, it's a really unforgiving job. You see the most horrible shit daily, like family members trying to accelerate thier dementia grandparents demise by not feeding them, bed bounds that can't afford 24/7 care so they only get 4hrs a day so the shift is absolutely packed with having to clean feces, give them a bed bath, make 3 sets of meals, etc.

ZhugeSimp t1_j778r71 wrote on February 4, 2023 at 4:46 PM

Addendum:

My first day as a caregiver, I was assigned an entire floor in a facility for 8 hours solo, no training. By the end of the day I was put in hospice care again with no training.

Having to "trial by fire" care of 20+ disabled seniors and 8 or so near death ones almost made me quit this job the same day I was hired.

herewego199209 t1_j779eg9 wrote on February 4, 2023 at 4:50 PM

I never said the caregivers were to blame only. It's a systemic and foundational issue. I'm sure like any job you're given shit sandwiches, but the staff at many of these facilities signed up for a job to take care of someone. I'm not saying this is an indictment on you as a caregiver, but my grandmother has had two strokes and recovered at two separate facilities and the same problems with the staff exists. It's one thing if you're understaffed and you can't clean someone up in a timely manner. I get that there's only so much you can do with 4 or 5 CNA's for an entire facility. That's a facility/industry issue. It's another thing if two separate facilities have the same issues with talking shit about residents right outside their door, showing attitude towards residents, actively mocking residents, etc. I get its a shit situation to be into, but that's the job you and these other caregivers signed up for. I agree we have to pay more to get the good caregivers like you in there and get the bad ones out.