Can someone please give me advice about being taken advantage of by my boss as being a live in caregiver?
I am a live-in caregiver for a family but I was hired as a caregiver for a 92 year old lady and when she interviewed me she was just talking about her Mom and then when I started working there her brother that has dementia and Parkinson's started needing help and I just did whatever he needed. Then her niece that is paralyzed from the waist down and has mental health issues needed help so then I was taken care of 3 people. And I only get minimum wage. And I have no privacy. I can be in the bathroom and the young girl knocks on the door. Or she will get right by my door and holler. So I was offered to move into the back bedroom but I would have to buy my own baby monitor so I could hear her mother if she needed anything.
She doesn't like to give me time off. So when I have had enough and I go to my sister's house she will get someone else to stay the night there and pay them 50$ a night. I get $50 a week as a live in caregiver.
She knows that I don't have anywhere to go.
But I am getting burnt out really fast.
$200 a week is nothing. If you’re a good, conscientious caregiver you deserve better.
Per Zip Recruiter on Google:
How much does a Live In Caregiver make? As of Oct 20, 2023, the average weekly pay for a Live In Caregiver in the United States is $976 a week.
If I found a job I wouldn't have a way to go interview for it?
I have 1 felony conviction
Would that hold me back?
1 felony?
Your services are badly needed in any community.
I honestly cannot imagine why you haven't done this as yet.
Wish you good luck.
Option 1) Next time you get paid that $50 pittance, phone for a taxi to take you to the closest women’s shelter. Phone first to make sure that they have space for you. Women’s shelters usually have social work support to help women get on their feet again. They should (I sincerely hope) help you to apply for a more reasonable job. Try for one close to public transport. They are not likely to be shocked by your felony problem, and can probably help you to work out how to handle it with getting a job.
Option 2) Move into that back bedroom, and say that you expect them to provide the babycam to monitor mother. You are not paid to provide 24 hour care. It’s her responsibility not yours. If she threatens you with the police or something, just tell her the same thing again. If you get the sack on the spot, revert to Option 1. Make sure you have the taxi fare ready.
Think about these options, and ask any more questions you want. I hope that others will make suggestions too.
Everything people have said is true. This is absolutely outrageous, but you are in a difficult spot to fix it. I hope these suggestions are practical. Yours, Margaret
Today I mentioned to her AGAIN that the shower nozzle doesn't work and you can't take a tub bath because it is so clogged up and she expected me to buy the drain cleaner but I stood up for myself and said it is for the house tub!
You can interview as a private caregiver and be upfront about your felony conviction. If they hear it from you and how you've been "living right" since then, this may go a long way in an interview. But make sure that getting paid as a household employee is a requirement. Many very wealthy people are looking for experienced help and maybe are more willing to be household employers.
exchange work like office , Cleaning and Laundry 🧺 There is also Couch surfing . Nesterly .com you can live in a home for reasonable rent in exchange for Chores and companionship - Host a Sister on Facebook helps woman who are in abusive situation . There are options - dog walkers in Boston get paid well - know your value and worth . It’s not always easy but it’s better then being taken advantage of . Upaya Zen center offers work study for a room and Ojai foundation and Omega institute . You have options .
The above is your first post. You also have a third. One your saying u get minimum wage this $50 a week. Are you being charged for your room? Because thatv is a no no. You are being taken advantage of. I think you need to move out now. This is slave labor and there are laws to protect you. You should be being paid minimum wage. Your room and board are perks. (Burnt can explain this better) And, you should be compensated for every additional person you care for. The monitor is paid by your employer since she wants u to move to the back room. I would leave and call APS and tell them you are leaving because you are not being paid and you have had 2 xtra people added on. That these maybe be considered vulnerable people.
If you are going to be a live in or any kind of aide, you need to know your rights. You need a contract. How many hours u work and what you get paid. What your duties are. Never be a live-in without a back up plan. Your Labor Board will have this info.
The shower head, remove it and soak it in Vinegar for a couple plus hours. Put it back on, and run hot water thru it. Should work. You can always replace the head.