Respite Care Boundaries - Caregivers Message Board

crowepps · 02-01-2003, 01:47 PM

Need some help on how to work with respite. Have respite for the first time, a very nice lady, but although I have warned her she is coming across as 'bossy' and Mom is not reacting well. How do you make it clear to the respite worker which things are mandatory safety issues and which things are the Mom's decision? When respite is here, I can work or do errands without worrying, which is great for me, but need to be sure this works for Mom or she will refuse respite. Is it a mistake to try to be 'friends' with the respite worker? I have never supervised anyone, so I am having trouble working this one out. Any tips would be much appreciated!!

netsailer · 02-03-2003, 06:52 PM

what skill level is your respite worker, how experienced is she, and who pays for her?? If she is not really trained, and is poorly reimbursed, there may be very little motivation or interest on her part.

crowepps · 02-04-2003, 11:59 PM

Talked to the supervisor, and then talked to the respite worker, and it turned out she was just waiting for me to give her some idea what she should do. We had a long talk about Mom, and I think things will go a lot smoother from here on out - She is from the Alzheimer's Association, not sure about her training but she does have experience with prior patients (which I don't). I am lucky to have her and glad we straightened it out.