Disagreements between caregivers and their employers are often a result of lack of communication. Here are some tips to prevent arguments or conflicts.
You work as a caregiver and fulfill your role with motivation and dedication. Although it runs smoothly most of the time, there may be some small differences between you and your employer over time. However, these should not be cause for early termination. In most cases, difficulties can be easily resolved with open conversation and the introduction of a few simple rules.
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1. Tardiness
If your client comes late regularly, do not be afraid to address it. Of course, sometimes there are extenuating circumstances such as a meeting running late or a traffic jam on route. Ask your client to inform you about any delays ahead of time.
If punctuality becomes a regular problem, consider extending your fixed working hours. This way, you can adjust to the extra time and plan your day accordingly. To make sure you are paid for additional hours you can use a timesheet to record the hours you have worked.
2. Family rules
Are you unsure about the rules that the family you care for follow? Ask! This is the only way to prevent misunderstandings. Sometimes parents forget to let caregivers know about certain rules as they are so used to following them instinctively.
Ask the family to make a short list of the most important rules so you can be guided by their values and fulfill their wishes.
3. Priorities
When you arrive at the house is there always a mountain of laundry waiting for you? If this has not been agreed in advance, it is time for a conversation with your client. Explain to them that the children, elderly or pets that you have been hired to care for are your top priority and you cannot give them the necessary attention when doing additional housework.
To avoid future misunderstandings, you should set up clearly defined rules and keep them in a care contract.
4. Unreliability
Does your client often change your schedule or cancel at short notice? If so, speak with your client and explain the impact of short-term cancellations for you. Just as your client demands a professional way of working from you, you can also make this request to your client.
5. Payment
Do you have questions or concerns about payment? Clarify this at the beginning of the employment relationship with your client. Your client should be in no doubt that while you are passionate about your work, you will not tolerate late or irregular payments.
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