To ask what you think about this?

[BlossomOnTrees]

Relative has a chronic illness and finds it difficult to get work. Currently working for someone as a housekeeper. Mixture of childcare in there as well.
Hours are pretty minimal but it is a job. Now the families schedule has changed and will do so for a few months. The couple said to her that they want to help her and pay the same each month but get her to do more over the big summer break so it all evens out.
Relative thinks they are keeping her on as they feel sorry for her and didn't like the way they said helping her as though she is a charity case and not something they should automatically be doing should they want to keep her. Aibu to get your thoughts as personally I feel differently about it.

I don't know, sounds like she'll be tied in and owe them over the summer. What if she's not up to it then, wants to do something else or struggles with an increased workload? I'd be a bit uncomfortable with the arrangement.

I’d be uncomfortable with that. She’ll owe them time and, if her condition is unpredictable that’s awkward. Also being pitied is not good for her self esteem and dignity. I’d want to resign.

I would want a schedule for the summer to make sure I could physically cope with it.

I would advise her to ask to be paid less and more in the summer.

Is it pity though? I do not see it that way.
Just a family who want to keep her on and are trying to find a way around it?

I don’t think pity is the right word. I continued to pay my cleaner through covid when she wasn’t able to come. It was more of a bonus for loyalty and hard work. I never pitied her.

I can see why they suggested it- it will be easier for them to pay her the same each month.

I don't think they're doing it out of pitty. They probably think it's easier for her too.

However, if it's not what she would prefer she needs to say.

I think she is reading too much into the 'We want to help you ' part of the conversation. It's just how people speak. If they want her to continue then of course they need to pay a retainer or come up with the method they have chosen. If they don't need her then I doubt they would continue to pay her monthly out of pity!