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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Domiciliary care- argh

7 replies

Dooooooooo · 16/08/2023 09:43

I've recently started, I use an electric bike but unfortunately still isn't as fast as a car. I informed them during interview that I didn't drive as they said that's fine as they have walking routes.
I've started and some of the visits are 2.5 miles apart or around 45 mins walk. There are some routes that are all very close together, but they seem to have lots of carers out and randomly allocate calls. I guess doing the rotas is hard but sometimes I don't see the logic in how they're done.
There are also big rota gaps which we aren't paid for. Sometimes it's nice as I just sit in a café for an hour, however there are so many times you can go to a café in a day before it costs money. We have some clients in large apartment complexes and occasionally we can sit in their communal lounge.
Some of the calls are 'double ups' requiring 2 people, this is fine however as I have a bike it's complicated. They would prefer us both to go into a car as it's faster, however I can't leave the bike at home when I have other single calls 2.5 miles apart. Don't feel safe locking it somewhere for a few hours.
Sometimes we get time to travel between calls, other times we don't get any.
I know I sound like I'm just moaning! There are other companies who offer guaranteed hours, no big gaps etc. However they all require drivers. Pretty much 99% of them. I guess it's on me to gain the licence! Does anybody else work in this industry?

OP posts:
Dooooooooo · 16/08/2023 09:44

I do enjoy the work otherwise. I'm working in a town of around 60,000 people, I could understand large distances if it were a rural location but it's not.

OP posts:
User63847484848 · 16/08/2023 09:44

Have you considered working in a care home? Would take away all the travel issues

User63847484848 · 16/08/2023 09:45

And yes I think scheduling must be a nightmare especially with people being admitted to and discharged from hospital with little or no warning.

Dooooooooo · 16/08/2023 09:46

I have previously, it's better in some ways but there's constant pressure to pick up extra work, very cliquey staff etc.
I guess no job is perfect!

OP posts:
Dooooooooo · 16/08/2023 09:48

I have a friend who works for a different company (sadly too far from my home) they accept walkers but for instance they'll have 1 carer in X part of town, another in Y part. All their calls are within 5-10 mins walk.
It seems to run a lot more smoothly, in this one they seem to put 10 carers out in the town and send them to calls on opposite sides of town.

OP posts:
Dooooooooo · 16/08/2023 09:51

Another issue is using the toilet! Some clients kindly let you use theirs, and they are in an acceptable condition. However some... I am not blaming them but the toilets are... Something else.
Again it's often a case of going in a café or supermarket.

OP posts:
shrunkenhead · 16/08/2023 09:57

Set up your own cleaning business in the village you live in so all clients are within walking distance. More money less hassle. And you can use your care experience to your advantage for older or less mobile clients.

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