Would appreciate some advice.

[OzBound]

Hello all..

I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season.

Okay, I have some concerns and I've always been able to come here and get some really good advice, here I am again. I am currently doing home health for two elderly people with dementia/possible alzheimers ( the reason I say possible is because they've never really gotten a definitive diagnosis, since she refused to return to her memory clinic appointment ). However, she forgets words, says things that are completely off the wall, and has mood swings. The other care givers have been there for a year and a half and have this log book that they write everything down in. Well, if you read back, you see warning signs of a potential disaster. Yet the family removes these logs daily.

The woman who is 86 sits in her recliner 12 hours a day and pee's in her depends. She doesn't get up, she refuses to be changed and if you push the issue she calls her daughters and has you removed from her house. So she sits in urine all day. She has med trays and Lord only knows what meds are in there, but we are required to give them to both her and her 90 year old husband three and four times a day. His we crush and I'mnot sure if all are crushable. Again, I asked and they said they had no idea. He also sits in urine soaked depends, even tho he gets up every 10 min to go to the bathroom via his walker that nearly causes him to fall over.

She is a diabetic and eats candy, has 5 cans of whipped cream in the refrig because she likes strawberries and refuses to eat them without it.She sprays them, eats the whipped cream then repeats this 3 times. I've expressed my concerns over her being a diabetic and the masses of suger but the daughter says that she's 86 and can do what she wants.

A visiting RN came and sent her to the Er for Altered Mental Status and they sent her right back home because the daughter who doesn't like to spend time in the hospital tells them things are ok. So back home she came. They pay us cash under the table with no worker comp. I've already been bruised in my side by her nearly falling. Another girl was hit. There are 4 of us who come and go. I'm really worried about passing meds to them when I have no idea what they are. Neither one of them can take meds on their own. I also worry about them never moving all day. Isn't it illegal for them to pay us under the table with no workers comp incase something should happen. What about passing meds..them sitting in urine all day etc. They are a very wealthy family, and I think they worry that putting them in a safe nursing home will cost them more money.

Thank yor all for listening and for your help.

[Saysfaa]

I would find another job. Actually, I might explain what I legally could and could not do, from your description I highly expect the family would not support that and then I would then find another job.

I'd be thinking about what is best for the clients but I would probably stick to the legalities in this situation to keep things simple and clear.

That probably isn't what you want to hear in this economy, sorry.

[CNABESS]

Disaster is awaiting you, honey. Please, if a family is not allowing the parents to be cared for properly, you cannot be part of this team. I know the economy is lousy, but I think you can see this train coming, and you do not want to be on board when it derails.

[blessedinscrubs]

I would really worry about losing my certification in a situation like that. I'm with the others. Run for the hills. And keep the family in your prayers.

[kool-aide, RN]

You need to get out of that situation, FAST! Don't push anything with the patients or the family. I'm pretty sure you've been breaking the law by accepting $ without paying taxes on it. Don't push your luck! Get out while you still can!

[systoly]

That's a lot of detailed info about the patients. That's my first concern. AS far as the work situation is concerned, you already answered yourself, great potential for disaster. RUN!

[OzBound]

Thank you all for your responses and advice. I agree it's time to go.