YES! IT IS MY BUSINESS

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I had just returned to my ALF from a brodate at a local coffee house.  I was about to sign-in, so I glanced at the clock . It was 4:00PM.  To my surprise, I was greeted by the caregiver who had been on the morning shift, which began at 6:00 AM. She was supposed to end her shift at 2:00 PM.

As soon as I saw her, I asked “What’s up.” However, I had a sneaking feeling I knew why she was still at work: “Who didn’t show,” I asked.  As a good employee, she adhered to the administrative mandate.  She brushed my question aside.

As a matter of fact, I’ve had many questions during the past two or three weeks.  Our ALF has been missing regular caregivers on both morning and swing shifts – even, of all things,  on the post midnight noc shift, where there’s only one caregiver. The ALF has filled these vacancies with employees of a local caregiver service. So, as a resident, I’m fortunate there’s a full staff and I’ll receive the care that I need.  It’s a blessing also for the regularly assigned caregiver, who won’t be left alone to be the sole dispenser of assistance. Besides, for an ALF our size, staffing two caregivers is a State regulation

Moreover, I thought it strange that three weeks of shifts were filled by people who were unfamiliar with our facility.  And I was nonplussed by why the regular caregivers were missing. Were they sick? Were they fired? (The rule is two ”no calls, no shows” – you’re out.) Did they quit? Did they have classes? (Being in a college town, many caregivers are students, and put school first.) Like other residents, I was left to guess.

Naturally curious, I asked. “It’s not my business,” I was told - The administrative SOP.

Come on! Not my business! I live here. My day-to-day life depends on the caregivers, especially the personal relationships we’ve established over the years. Why must I day-after-day explain to fill-ins how to do things? Why should I be deprived of knowing about those who take care of me?

I still don’t have an answer – except: That’s the rule.

But it’s not for us.

[Photo by iStock SPIphotography]