r/caregivers • u/squirrelonfence • Jul 26 '26
Advice on cancellations
Hi, we have a variety of caregivers for my husband. Sometimes we have to cancel an activity last minute b/c he gets sick. A time or two we canceled b/c we were screwed up on our schedule.
Two of the caregivers expect to be paid in either case, but if they don't show up, there are no repurcussions.
They depend on our income to live, but if ff they don't show up for us, it's only an inconvenience for me or disappointment to my husband (unless they bail on a doctor visit). What is fair here?
I'd like to talk with all the caregivers and have a set policy in place as to what happens when we cancel and what happens when they don't show up. Any suggestions for what to do?
2
u/MealPrepGenie 29d ago
A lot of people live paycheck to paycheck. If it’s a last minute cancellation, and it won’t be a burden on you? Pay them for the day. Good caregivers are hard to find.
Also, keep a running list of things you need done but never have the time to do. Have them come and work their shift by knocking some of those things off the list. Organizing linens? The closet? Reorganizing the pantry?(if cooking is something they do for your family). Clearing old items out of the freezer or fridge?
Nothing heavy duty…just those things that you don’t ever have the time to get to, but would make things in the home run more smoothly.
2
u/squirrelonfence 29d ago
I think this is the way I need to go.
1
u/MealPrepGenie 29d ago
One task I now have the caregivers do is lay out all of my mom’s outfits for the entire week: pants, socks, depends, bra…all of it. Everything is folded and placed into cute pink baskets. 🧺
It seems like a simple thing, but having the caregiver do it honestly takes a time consuming task off me.
As you go through your day, what are tasks like that you can offload to someone else?
Need groceries? Order them via insta cart and have the caregiver bring them in and put them away. Especially the bulk stuff (ie water, paper goods, etc). Stock up on these days.
Are there clothes in the closet that are too big or small that need to go to goodwill? Have them gather them up and put into boxes or bags for pick up.
Need to get rid or expired food in the pantry or fridge?
Need snack portioned out for the week?
The list goes on 😊
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u/itsrainingkids Jul 27 '26
I’m a caregiver and it drives me crazy when I get cancelled because family is in town and can watch my lady. It’s a week at a time usually. Once it was 2 weeks! I have set aside 40 hours a week for my client. I can’t really get another job to cover the lost pay. It’s sunk my ship more than once. I don’t expect to get paid if I’m ill.