My parent has a caregiver aides assisting her 8 hours each day. Different aides, depending on the day of the week. One aide is considered the "manager" to direct the care plan. She has the most consistent shift of mornings, M-F. She writes specific notes to the others regarding med distribution, tasks to do, and she is the only one to do the shopping/handling of my parent's money expenditures. When my parent wants something "now" she is asking the others to get it for her and will offer her credit card to get it from the store. Some are not following the directives and purchases have been made that are questionable. The main aide has discussed her concerns with me regarding questionable purchases and the med distribution protocol. She has discussed her concerns with the staff manager and is now feeling as if she is on "the outs" with her company. I am concerned for her. How do I address the agency's staff manager to let her know that I expect all the aides to follow the directives book. The client, my parent, has strong indications of dementia fueled by a craving to get alcohol, or a med from the store that is not in her med protocol. When I spoke with her she claimed she does not recall asking. It is making the main care-aide look bad. And, personally I am not happy with the lack of consistency demonstrated by the other aides. What are my rights to express my concern? I live several states away. My parent's dementia behavior has escalated in the past 6 months. I have numerous requests to nursing homes for a placement -- still waiting. Petitioning for guardianship is not feasible -- too expensive. Whom can I ask in the state of KY to advocate for my concerns? How do I address my concerns with the agency in the meantime? Thank you.
The frustration of trying to manage these things from afar is so difficult. Have you talked to the county Eldercare folks? (Assuming all counties have these since they decide who gets what.)
You don't think your parent should drink alcohol. Your parent begs to differ. One aide realises that you are paying the piper. The other aides prefer a quiet life with their actual client.
Well. If your parent is competent enough to live in her own home alone for 16 hours of the day, your parent is competent to know whether or not she wants a glass of sherry before her dinner.
If she's drinking excessively, enough to become a falls risk or to harm her health, then it's a safeguarding issue which you can take up with the agency.