Have any caregivers been abused by patient's family?

[deewee]

I'm just wondering. I just quit a job where I suffered extreme verbal/emotional abuse from the daughter of the patient I cared for. I finally had to stand my ground. I wasn't ugly about it, but simply stated that there was no way I would return for another shift, wished her and her mom the very best and left. I later found that I was just one in a loooooooong line of caregivers that have left the case for the same reasons.

I know sometimes families are under stress from all the changes in their loved one's life and from having to find responsible caregivers, etc. But...exhibiting stress and taking it out on the caregiver they've hired are two different matters alltogether.

I'm just wondering has anyone else had this experience? I know of at least 2 people that work for my agency that has had this experience. I'd just like to hear others' stories.

TIA!

[caliotter3]

The father of a patient harassed me one time, I would call it sexual harassment because he invaded my body space and came as close to making contact as he could. The door to the room would be closed and he would sneak down the hallway and open it and enter without knocking or making any sound. When I told my manager about it, I got criticized for not saying something sooner. Yes, so I could be without work sooner.

[CoffeemateCNA]

Oh yes.

First month on the job.

The family member was also bi-polar and off her meds.

The resident had arrived and been admitted to my unit while I was on lunch break.

I just walked in to see if they needed anything. Before I could utter a word the wife let loose every frustration she's ever had in life.

A nurse heard her screaming (I mean SCREAMING) such profanities at me that she RAN down the hall to come "rescue me."

And more staff came as well.

In the end, it took 3 nurses, the DON, and the administrator to get her out.

I just stood there in shock trying to process the many names I had been called.

Did you know that the "F" word can be used 17 times consecutively in only 1 sentence?

Alas, one of many incidents that helped me to develop thicker skin.

[eveningsky339, LPN]

I haven't been "abused" by any family members, but I've certainly been the recipient of much nit-picking.

[Poi Dog]

Yeah, I have and I don't want to think/post about it.

Good for you for growing a set and leaving

[deewee]

I am finding more and more of this out there. I think this is the other "untold" story of caregiving. One that's often overlooked, probably because we aren't seen as defenseless. While we may not be defenseless, often times we try to hang in there because...let's face it...we don't get paid and lot and most of us need the money. I know that's part of the reason I kept sticking it out. It wasn't until it affected my own health that I had to stand up for myself. The family can find another caregiver to run off, but my husband and family can't replace me.