I am a live-in 24hr caregiver. I needed this job and cannot afford to quit. I have not had a day off for almost a year, and no access to any health care. My employer finally let me go to the podiatrist with him, and was diagnosed for severe broken toe that needed surgery. The other foot had raw nerve causing great pain, and the doctor said it needed at least 4 shots, at $85.00 a peice. He agreed to do surgery in office for $800.00, since I have no HMO. When we left the office, my employer said, "Well, I hope you found out what you needed to know." That was the end of that. I have not been given time off to even go to county hospital and cannot wear regular shoes anymore. I have no home to go to if I quit. My mother and I became homeless when my home was burnt down by a family member. It was an arson, so I help support my mother who is in a rented room now. Insurance does not pay, for arson. My family member is in jail now. I feel really trapped. My employer pays me $1,500.oo a month.....$500.00 goes to my mother....she is 87 and blind. what can I do, to make my life better...we have no family except a disabled son of mine(he was green beret, delta)and is fighting his own demons....and another son who was in his senior year, in high school, when this happened. Sorry for rambling, but I really have no one to talk to. Thankyou

Here in NY, caregivers are now part of the union and they get benefits. Your employers are supposed to take out for your social security or they can be in real trouble. You
seem to know how to use a computer and apparently they have allowed you your own
password, etc. You need benefits. You really should work for an agency where
benefits are available. What you are doing sounds more like slavery then a job.
Good luck.