A few points...

As my frustrations continue to grow and grow with finding good, capable individuals to work as personal care attendants, I feel slightly compelled to share what I feel are misconceptions (or maybe just things people don’t really think about) about working in home care settings or having home care.

·         This is not an office job. I can’t post a job ad and easily have at least 50-100 applicants. I can’t hire someone quick. I can’t utilize a temp service. And, the work can’t really just sit.

·         This isn’t an educational setting. I can’t just call for a substitute.

·         This isn’t retail, fast food or a restaurant. I can’t just be short on staff. Others aren’t working at the same time and can cover an extra section.

·         This isn’t a healthcare facility like a hospital or nursing home. A float staff person can’t just come in.

Whether it be a PCA, nurse, DSP, or other kind of home care position working in someone’s private home, the positions just can’t go unfilled or uncovered. While with the above scenarios things will just go on and not much will be affected, that’s not really the case in home care. My life depends on others and it just doesn’t… can’t… go on without things (and important things like basic needs that everyone takes for granted) being drastically affected. I can't just get out of bed in the morning. I can't just go use the restroom. I can't just take a shower. I can't just get something to eat. I can't just go to bed. It just doesn’t work that way, unfortunately.

And, as with my previous blog, I'm most certainly not seeking pity or sympathy. Mostly, I'm venting. Mostly, I'm really frustrated. But, also, maybe I'll educate random people and open eyes.

Or, again, maybe I’m just getting old and crabby.