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I had been working on a case for about six months. The case was problematic since day one. I can't really post about the client and where I'm located; so, I will do my best explaining. I thought things were going okay with the case. I was told this past week that cameras were installed which wasn't a problem to me. The client refused to wear her hearing aides and would blast the TV very loud. The volume would be set at 85. I was told by my agency supervisor that this was a sitting case, and was given a care plan. I made the breakfast and made the bed per the house assignment. I was told when I first arrived that October that I could sit downstairs which was good in case I needed to answer the door. I thought where I was positioned was a little odd, but I sat where I was told to sit. I was given directions where to sit by another staffer. Well, I was texted on March 16th at 10:00 am by the house staff member that the shift had been cancelled. I called my agency immediately and spoke with the supervisor telling her I just got word that my case has been cancelled for the next day. The next day, my brother called on March 17th and told me that my niece had passed away in her apartment. Apparently, she and my sister had gotten into a terrible argument that Friday, and she died alone in her apartment. Her mother got worried and had a welfare check done and the landlord found her deceased. My niece held the POA for her mother even though she was in another state. So, now my sister didn't have a POA. I tried reaching out to her but never heard back.
My grandson had a crises. So, I haven't had much of an update on his status.
Yesterday, after my shift ended for good, I had a call from my supervisor that I missed. I was just so tired because that entire three days of commuting and that micro managing live in aide was just too much. I tried to make light on the situation, but according to the cameras, I was accused of not sitting with the client during these shifts. The care plan couldn't be followed accordingly, because the live in aide wouldn't allow me to make any changes to the routine. So, I made the bed, made the breakfast, maybe a medication reminder here and there since she took control over that as well. The staff had been leaving the medication within the client's reach until I told the live in aide to remove the medication box. She would give it to me when she ran her errands.The client came down and turned on the stove on Tuesday. I was at the stove and the live in aide came barreling down the steps into the kitchen saying that I knew how to use the stove and that I was wasting gas. I didn't respond immediately and told her that the client wanted a cup of Postum. Finally, I turned off the stove. It had been like this all week. I took the cup of Postum upstairs and asked the client if she would like breakfast since the morning was slipping by. The live in aide got angry and said that I had put this suggestion in the client's mind. I told her this is the time I normally would serve the client her breakfast. By then it was 10:22 am when client came down to eat. Thursday was just as bad.
I'm just in a state of shock right now, especially since I did what was told to do in the home even though I wasn't allowed to help the client with her personal care or none of the client related tasks. The live in aide would intervene every time. They instead just asked for another aide.
I haven't been on the board much these last couple of months because it has been a struggle these last three months. It's more to this story, and I would answer questions.
I'm just so tired and worn down right now and don't want to work with anymore clients.
Please excuse any grammatical errors or typos. I'm using my cell phone.

I'm so sorry for what you're going through. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Regarding your Job situation...
I was a CNA for 12 years. Healthcare can be a brutal business when people don't work together as a team. I've worked with patients who had live in aides. The family would also have me come in as a backup. You either get along with the live-in or you don't. Some live in aides did not like that the family also wanted me there. Or they would get very possessive about the patient. They would be sure to try to make me miserable while I was there . With others I got along with them so well that we made an excellent support team for the family. My feeling was that I would not continue to work with a family who had a nasty live-in aide. It just wasn't worth the aggravation to me and I didn't want to add stress to the family. Caregivers and CNAs will always be very much needed. You will find another position that you will feel comfortable in. Just keep doing your job to the best of your ability and be a team player. Go to any classes that are offered. There are caregivers that give good ones a bad name. Be one of the good ones.
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Scampie1 Apr 18, 2026
Thank you. I'm just seeing this post and what you are saying is so true. I won't be working anymore cases where a live in aide is on the premises. I was called in at the last minute for this case when the live in aide had chased away another aide. One thing I learned from all of this; is that if a live in aide feels territorial about a client and their surroundings, they will put an aide in their place from day one. There were times that I just felt like I was a prop just to show whomever that they were doing everything possible for this client. This last week, I was being micromanage so badly that I would literally get heart palpitations when I got to the case.
This case was the epitome of organized chaos.
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Scampie, so sorry regarding your niece. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be with a care situation such as you describe.

I hope you get some rest. Good luck on the unemployment.
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Scampie1 Apr 18, 2026
Thank you so much for responding. I can't do this anymore. It's time that I moved on. I need to script a response letting unemployment know that this is not about any particular agency, but it's the last minute cancelations and income loss resulting when this happens. I need a stable environment.
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Scampie,

I want to start by offering my condolences on the loss of your niece. You know I'm not the only one here that's been telling you to go private duty cases. You're an mature woman, an American, and you have years of experience in homecare work. You could name your price in the private duty sector. Your supervisor is supposed to handle any job-related conflicts that may arise with clients, their families, and other aides who may work for the same client. This is why I tell all my people to always talk to me if there's any problem with a client, their family, or other aides on the job. Remember, You DO NOT work for the live-in caregiver. You work for whatever agency employs you. I've had these situations arise when a client has more than one caregiver working for them. The daytime caregiver who has the most hours will often over step themselves and behave like they're the boss of the evening and overnight aides. They will expect them to do chores like laundry, housekeeping, etc... This is when they are promptly put in their place by me. If my name is on your paycheck, I'm the boss of all of you. This is how situations like this are supposed to be handled.

You followed the careplan. The live-in is trying to be your boss and created a hostile work environment which has made it impossible for you to carry out what are your duties from the careplan. Call your supervisor. It is their job to handle this matter
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Scampie1 Apr 17, 2026
Also, since this client's symptoms were progressing to this point, maybe it was time for a memory care unit. If the aide and I were not able to manage this client at home even though she was on medications, it was time for an intervention and a higher level of care at this point.

Just a thought.
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Scampie, I’m so sorry about your niece. What a terrible shock.

It sounds like it’s been one stressful situation after another right now. I hope you can take a breath and find something that works for you.

Thinking of you.
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Scampie1 Apr 17, 2026
Thanks SnoopyLove. It has been a rough couple of months. I'm just glad to be out of that case. We had an awful snowstorm down here in February. My car had been parked for at least three weeks. A very nice man dug out my car for me.

I spoke with my sister today and she told what happened to my poor niece. I'm going to miss her.

I didn't get a chance to even grieve my niece dealing with this nonsense with this case.
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Your burned out. Maybe go private, then you can pick and choose.
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Scampie1 Apr 17, 2026
JoAnn,

I'm going to file for unemployment and train for something else.
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So dont work with anymore clients . Give it a rest . Try Being aNanny or dog walker or advertise yourSkillsOnline at Nextdoor.com where you can Make your Own schedule . Take care of yourself first.
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Scampie1 Apr 17, 2026
Thanks, KNance72,

This is where I am right now. Thanks for the tip for Nextdoor.com.
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