To think this isn't acceptable?

[lavenderjam]

I have namechanged as am quite upset about this and it is work-related. I hope someone can help.

A lot of my work is based in people's homes. One client has taken a real dislike to me. They are abusive and aggressive in a sort of non-verbal way (slamming doors, muttering 'fucks sake') and because we have to go late at night they have been drinking.

I have twice raised this with my bosses but nothing much has happened.

I know it doesn't sound like much but it's absolutely horrible when you're in someone else's house. I have said calmly 'that's not acceptable, I'm not here to be abused, I'm here to do my job.' But it's awful having to stand there.

I just wondered if anybody had any suggestions as to how I can raise this with my bosses on Monday? It's just I don't want to NOT go as this would mean taking me off that shift which apart from this one person is the most suitable one for me.

You work for a Council? Or are contracted to a Council? You have a whole host of protections.

It sounds hideous, and im sorry flossie added to your distress wit her lack of sensitivity, tact, or knowledge of this type of work, and I hope that wasnt the final straw that made you hand in your notice.

It sounded like a really difficult situation in an already thankless job. The turnover of these jobs is so high

and it is not procedure for us to have meetings with problem-causing relatives.

Well, it should be. If you are leaving because 1 out of your 13 clients' relative is difficult, then you have done the right thing for yourself. Whether that is right for the other 12 is neither here nor there.

If someone is being difficult then it should be resolved either by the Council or by your firm.

what should happen in an ideal world, is not what happens in a lot of care provision companies

I see that you have resigned now so my input is too late really - but I think I would have at least requested one of the managers to come with me on that particular visit so they could see themselves how intimidating this person was to you.

Then they could have intervened there and then and told this person that their behaviour was unacceptable and if it wasn't modified then the care package would have to be reviewed.

Was the junior with you not able to back up your version of events to the managers? I'm shocked that they cared so little for your welfare, tbh.

It isn't that my managers don't believe me, but for whatever reason they are unwilling to act.

I couldn't really insist in them coming in with me, but even if I did he would behave differently - probably still surly and sullen but not actually abusively.

This behaviour has been escalating because I've been citing this to my managers - they 'have a word' with him and he is okay with them on the phone then takes it out on me when I'm there.

I have raised it as a safeguarding concern but ultimately she is a consenting adult choosing to live with another adult - the relationship is dysfunctional and abusive, but that is her choice and so it's hard for anyone to act.

There is no way you should have to go into a home of someone who you feel is being abusive towards you. ESPECIALLY if they are drunk. No way!