We went for a nice drive yesterday, keeping our eyes open for Sandhill Cranes and Tundra Swans, where we've seen them before. We were unsuccessful, but did enjoy the drive. On the way though, I answered a phone message from the agency that provides my evening care. Our regular Tuesday worker was off and they couldn't find a replacement.
Literally a moment later I received a call from the manager repeating that message, and adding that so far they have no evening worker for tomorrow either (that's today now)! We already hire someone privately for Thursdays, so that would be three evenings in a row that they could not find a worker. Now that's not the kind of surprise you want to hear!!!
And we only had someone Monday because another worker who had already worked a full day shift volunteered to come out again in the evening. She had started at 7 that morning and saw me at 8 that evening.
What we don't understand is why they can't simply re-assign a worker from Owen Sound to come out here. That seems to be something they won't do, or else workers have the choice of coming here or not - it does involve a 25 minute drive. But when Mrs. F.G. was a hospital nurse, she went wherever she was assigned if they needed help on another ward, no questions asked.
A beaver lodge.
Apparently the failure to find a replacement puts them in violation of their contract, but there's no penalty attached to that. There aren't even any records kept about the failure to provide services they are committed to, so it's impossible to evaluate how well they are doing what public funding is paying them for.
I can't tell you how difficult this makes things for Mrs. F.G., but we are both fuming mad. We've been polite for a long time, but I'm not feeling polite anymore!
Not the kind of surprise you need, but having worked in the care sector for many years I'm not even surprised any more. I hope you have the energy to complain, and to complain loudly.
ReplyDeleteOh no, I don't blame you for being mad. I hope this doesn't happen too often, certainly there are workers that live in your area.
ReplyDeleteThat's a terrible situation to be put in...and those care givers really leave you hanging. A real shame. I hope someone can pick up the slack.
ReplyDeleteThe state of care for seniors is outrageous as was highlighted during the pandemic. It’s the same or worse here. I hope your shortage of workers is rectified soon, FG.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable. You should send a message to Doug or to Christine Elliot and see if you get any action. It may be a good idea to find a private person you can call as back up when you get stuck. Or one of the caregivers that you could pay yourself.
ReplyDeleteIt happens down here too, but with you needing morning and night support, there should be a very good back-up system with relief carers able to fit in when necessary. Mrs F.G. hang in there, you two are resilient, and having weathered the last years, will get through this too.Meantime you will see spring signs arriving, as down here the mornings are so much darker, noticing it every week.But bluebell bulbs are shooting, sunflowers are finished, the seeds will be collected as soon as the rain stops and they dry out.In winter the little birds will get a morning feed.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how frustratiing this must be and difficut for both you and Mrs. F.G., and I'd be more than impolite when discussing the situation with the manager and others higher in the food chain. I hope you get the assistance you need asap.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not a pleasant surprise at all. I hope someone will be found to help. Hard to believe records are not kept about the times no one was available. You have every right to be frustrated and angry..
ReplyDeleteI do like the end-of-winter bleakness in today's photos.
CBC Marketplace had a blistering expose about home care last week. The agency gets paid even if your worker doesn't show.
ReplyDeleteI can certainly see why you two are angry and upset. That seems unthinkable that someone can't come out to help!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight to see the beaver lodge. I remember seeing one when walking around the lake where we used to live.
The sandhills are in Nebraska right now so they should be on there way. I hope things work out immediately for you and your wife.
ReplyDeleteDown here all the health care agencies and facilities are advertising for workers, including substantial signing bonuses. It sounds like it's the same up your way. It's really unfortunate that they don't have substitute caregivers to substitute for regular workers when they aren't working. Smoke would be coming out of my ears in a similar situation.
ReplyDeleteYou might want to think about contacting W5 or CBC Marketplace, etc. I think they are investigative journalism programs and they seem to have a reputation of getting to the bottom of things.
ReplyDeleteI can see that being frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what they expect you to do...sleep in your chair all night. You'd think they'd have some plan to provide much needed service.
ReplyDeletethat is not expectable. we have pre diem nurses, that's all they do is fill in where they are needed. agencies have access to lists of per diem nurses they can call when this happens. if someone calls out, they have nurses who will come in and fill the spot at a moments notice.i assume you are a priority case, maybe you need to be a little more aggressive. i would call your doctor and your insurance company, let them know what is going on. there has to be an emergent agency that will help you guys out.
ReplyDeletei wonder if gas prices are factoring in to the equation, nurses don't want to travel too far. but that is so sad if that be the case!! good luck!!
* acceptable *
DeleteMaybe the person who made the call should have come out — assuming that s/he’s qualified.
ReplyDelete25 minutes is not a huge drive, and I assume they get mileage.
They don't get mileage, AC!
DeleteThis is a horrible problem. I saw that program, as well, and no, they don't lose any contract money for not delivering service. I'd be so angry, but I did have to fight this battle with my client.