Our long time live in aide (24 hrs/7) has been with us for going on 5 years now. Every year around the anniv of her start date I have tried to offer some incentive such as taking out a workmens comp plan, paying her cable bill, a 3% salary increase, paying her time and a half for major holidays. (This is in addition to room/board and all food covered and vacation pay every year.). Now that mom has become more needy with her demenita the aide has been passing comments in somewhat of a joking manner that "You will have to pay me more to do all this for you all day". (Such as reminding her to not slouch in her chair, being asked repetitive questions, etc.) Granted mom is needier than when she first started 5 years ago, but these comments are beginning to make me feel uncomfortable. My family feels she should not be making such comments and that she is paid enough at this point and that no more raises should be given. That the 2 week vacation pay at her upcoming 5 year anniv of her start date should be plenty in light of all the other perks. So I was just wondering how other caregivers and families/clients/agencies handle this issue of raises, clients who become more challenging to the aide and also comments about being under paid. My brother thinks that perhaps she is being greedy. I am concerned about burnout about her being there 24/7 with someone with dementia that is worsening. In the past she was not interested in taking weekends off. Perhaps a hear to heart talk is needed now.
Also, if mom starts requiring active overnight care, a live in expects to sleep, so you may need to have additional help,