Mum’s carer just turned up with a streaming cold

[OhFFFS]

WTF?? No mention of it. Mum’s health is compromised and she’s elderly. It could just be a cold... but??!

[OhFFFS]

Thanks, @MamaFlintstone, it just threw me as I expected a HCP to be super aware of any risk. Not just turn up. I do lots of the care and could have covered.

[dun1urkin]

I understand you’re upset, but you have read the second sentence of that screenshot you’ve posted, haven’t you?

It doesn’t apply yet, and includes the word ‘could’

[NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1]

I do lots of the care and could have covered.

Oh yeah? So did you tell them this?

[OhFFFS]

The tone on here is so patronising and snarky. Really no need to snark at someone who’s worried. Just scroll on by, surely?

[NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1]

It's a genuine question though? Did you tell them you can cover the care if necessary?

[EricaNernie]

op it wont be the first time a carer has turned up with a streaming cold, or a nurse, or a check out operator. it is the way this country works

[OhFFFS]

They know that, yes. And it’s not an agency, but a private carer. It’s just to give me a break.

[OhFFFS]

Of course, EricaNernie. It was just totally unnecessary in this particular situation.

[Reginabambina]

It’s one of those things where sometimes a replacement can’t be found and the person can’t manage without their carer. But that only happens sometimes. For that reason she should have called first. The Coronavirus is a red herring here.

I assume you asked her to leave immediately and asked her to let you know beforehand in future?

[KenDodd]

Please don't be angry with the carer OP (although understand why you might be). Be angry with the government and by extension the people who have voted for them and thereby endorsed starving social care of funds. The carer is unlikely to get paid if she doesn't come to work, carers earn very little, she is likely to have very little slack in her budget to take time off.

[KenDodd]

And it’s not an agency, but a private carer.

Does this mean you pay her directly OP?
If so do you pay her sick pay?

[OhFFFS]

I wouldn’t dream of being angry with the carer, just a bit worried about her judgement. She is self-employed and I will of course be paying her as usual.

[Hellodotdotdot]

She's not desperate for the money is she?

[EricaNernie]

she will have worn gloves op, and washed her hands.

[KenDodd]

I will of course be paying her as usual.

Does that mean you still pay her if she's sick and can't attend?

[OhFFFS]

She’s self-employed and new. Hadn’t discussed sick pay, but I would, yes.

[idontlike789]

Minor symptoms is a fever , temperature, cough it may be minor ie you feel ok to go to work etc it is NOT a runny nose , sort throat etc that is a cold .
Why do people not understand the difference?

[Hearthside]

ohFFfS think you answered your own post there hadn't discussed sick pay She probably thinks she won't get paid and probably can't afford to lose the money . You probably should have discussed sick pay when you employed her .Yes i agree a cold can be deadly for someone vulnerable like your mum , bit late now as highly likely you won't find any anywhere but face masks would help .

[negomi90]

I'm in healthcare. I go to work with a steaming cold and I currently have a residual cough which I'm struggling to get rid of.
The risks from poor staffing from healthcare workers not coming in with minor colds is far higher than the risks from them passing it on (especially if they are extra careful with hand hygiene and cough etiquette).
I hate it, but most of the people on our rota currently have something there are a lot of bugs at the moment. It's safer for us to be at work then at home with no one in.
And I don't have the added worry of pay like your carer add I'd be paid either way.

[ByeMF]

You are completely over reacting.

[mrjellyisnotscary]

I'm an AHP. I go into work if I have a streaming cold as it's not a reason to call in sick! I cancel visits to at risk clients (chemo etc), and then inform others and let them decide if they want to see me or not.

A streaming cold is not a sign of the Coronavirus.

[alexdgr8]

i think you need to talk to the carer to make clear your expectations re communications with you and what to do in a similar situation.
you are not over-reacting.
but how well do you know this person. my experience is that many are not really professional in their approach to their work. it is a job anyone can walk into, and some do not have the requisite judgement to do it properly. most are merely mediocre. some are appallingly bad. a few are excellent, rare treasures.
a neighbour had one sent by the hospital who marched in and was annoyed when the client asked her to wash her hands. said why should she, didnt need to. she was to make a sandwich. client rang agency to complain. many would not be able or aware enough to do that.
in 3 weeks, 3 visits a day, she was sent 18 different people. not much continuity of care there.
good luck with yours. i think attitude is most important. a person who is willing to listen and learn, and wants to really care for the client is better than someone who thinks they know it all. worst of all are those who declare, oh i've done elder care, post-op, disabled adults, dementia...
as if an individual is just part of a category, that they've done, tick box.

[bellinisurge]

A streaming cold can be particularly dreadful for someone who's elderly, Coronovirus or not.