Originally Posted by kathy d

Hi Pete,
I agree with you saying I am helping her more than she is helping me! I don't know what it is (the universe or something) but I always get people attracted to me that need help. I can go into a ladies' room and have women come up to me and start conversations about things I don't want to know.

It may be heredity because we used to call my mother "The Mayor of Philadelphia" because it seemed she knew everyone lol. Maybe they feel safe or like you said maybe I help them in some strange way but it always happens to me. I have had other aids that tell me all their problems and stuff I don't want to know or hear about. It is like I am doing more to help them then they are helping me. I had one aid who said she had four kids and no food. I had to go online and get info on a food bank near my home for her. Sad. I try to shut them up (nicely) but it only gets worse. I told this last aid I don't need to be entertained, I don't need anymore friends, I don't need to hear about your mother in law's issues with her aid, and other people in your life should not have any affect on my life. I am up front with what I expect on their first day, how I want things done, etc. but from what I have been told the norm for these type of workers is at first they are usually good but then they go downhill fast. What I have found that happens (esp when it is a state-run program) is that the state may pay the aid company $20.00 per hour or so but they hire a worker for $8-9 an hour and company pockets the rest...and they make money. They know which workers are bad and they just keep sending them to different people all the time. They are not training them and I have had quite a few aids that this is their first job in the United States and English is not their primary language. So, there is a language and cultural barrier because in their home country certain things are not done our way. I think it is not fair to the person whose first job it is but esp not fair to me being the patient in pain.

I had used a different company about six years ago and had my first aid for two years and the second one for 1 1/2 so I know it is not me. Both of them were like part of my family and did their work. Lately, all I am finding are aids that don't want to work, steal, cheat, and do anything they can to rip people off. I get angry and report them because I don't want them going to others to do the same thing.

I contacted the aid co. today and told the supervisor what went on. She said and listened then said "Well she has two other clients and I have no complaints from them." I said "Well the one client is deaf and it doesn't matter to him if you send someone that talks excessively to them since he can't hear her but for me it is not working." It was almost like she didn't want to hear it or anuything about my needs. I told her not to send me anyone that I will keep searching for an aid on my own. At least I will have peace and quiet for a bit until a new person comes in and hopefully they will be alot calmer;.) Thanks for your input.
kathy d