A while back, I was advised to try to hire a medical, nursing or graduate psych student as a companion for my husband. Apparently, this is a good way to get someone who would object to a hired aide or companion, such as a CNA, to cooperate. I'm looking into doing this and would tell my husband that it's a buddy program set up by the university as part of the student's education, that they need to earn about AD, etc. Programs like that actually exist in some places. It's the best way I can think of to help him accept the situation. Does anyone have any experience with hiring students for this purpose?
Divvi--That's my plan. If I can't get a real student, I would get someone else who is intelligent enough to play act! (Of course, they have to be reasonably young for it to seem plausible). I am seriously considering ditching daycare for a while and trying this.
Interesting concept! The only problem I could imagine is that student schedules are all over the place these days with night classes, labs, etc. They'd be coming and going. Of course, there has to be some that have time blocked for a job opportunity. We had a student living in our home at Clemson for 3 years, free rent in return for "being there" for us and helping with the pool, boat maintenance, small chores around the house (such as climbing ladders to change ceiling light bulbs!). We loved their company, and they were delightful young men. Fact was,they weren't EVER available when we needed them. (Might be because one was a cheerleader and the other was the Student Body President). I think it's worth a shot!
I'm only looking for about 4 hrs. a day coverage--even if it has to be split between two students. I have a friend who did this, and it worked beautifully. It was some years back, she lives in a small town with no adult daycare programs, and her husband was a retired executive like mine. At first, he wasn't so cooperative, but eventually he bonded with the students and they became like family members. The husband has passed on, but my friend is still in touch with the former helpers.
marilyn, i would be inclined to try that too then. agencys also have lots of young male caregivers too. or for that fact find maybe one of those ladies from his daycare!! and offer them the job? many would love to just work for one person..i have several male aides that come 4hrs/week and they are great with DH. and they are 'trained ' just in case you need more than a student could provide..ie. bath or underwear change etc.---i like that idea! divvi
ps on another note, when you have helpers in your home just incase something ever happened to them, ie fall , hurt, etc. as far as insurance goes they are 'friends visiting'.. some insurance coverage ie-homeowners dont pay for 'hired help coverage' unless you tell them and they can charge you extra for that -divvi on the upside agencies provide their bonded and insurances to their workers usually.
I always make sure the people I bring in know CPR as well. I was surprised when one mentioned he had seen it done on TV and felt confident he could do it. He didn't get the job. I use Cameo Caregivers when I need reliable help. They are trained, bonded and if one can't show up at the last minute, the company sends out a replacement so we're not left hanging.
I have to go through an agency for his long-term care policy to pay. One of the agencies I spoke with today employs a medical student; she also said she has a male CNA who is smart enough to pull this off. Nancy--Providing a substitute is one of the bonuses of using an agency, for sure. Divvi--I know an attorney who specializes in worker's comp cases--he told me to get a rider on my insurance if I do any private hiring of an aide, cleaning person, etc. I've never priced it, but it's a good way to go. Most people don't even know they're not covered with their regular policy. I read that with the economic downturn, there has been an increase in the number of people saying they were hurt on the job. Good idea about friends visiting if one doesn't have the coverage.
That is VERY good advice, Marilyn. One of my sons is a major claim adjuster for a large insurance company. He said you would not believe the number of bogus claims he is called out on. Same reason. People are desperate for cash and they will try any route they can to get it. I think I'll just check with my agent anyway...since he could possibly "deck" someone without warning. He asks most of our visitors including the doctors and physical therapist to leave the house. He was only verbal...but it was embarrassing to say the least. People WILL sue for little of nothing, and then it is our word against theirs. Maybe we need to install video cameras in the house like they have in banks and convenience stores.