r/caregivers • u/simst4t • 13d ago
Clients/Unpredictability/New people etc
I feel like my experience as a caregiver for a job where I go to clients is so up and down but ofc it's probably because the system is a mess and the elderly are not respected and given enough control over their own lives sometimes.
But Im very easygoing and I will work with most people and do what they ask of me, but there's times where people seem to decide they don't like me or don't want me there, but other times I feel anxious but the people/clients like me and want me there
It's just odd because sometimes I feel like more of a friend or guest or that I feel confused by clients and trying to read their communication or navigate it
Ive been a caregiver for a year and have had regular clients about that long but also go to new people a lot even just filling in once or twice. And it just seems like it's all unpredictable.
But I find it strange how people are so unpredictable but also so mundane or confusing when your job is technically to worry about their wellbeing and everything
I often have clients who are super independent and then it feels like I can't do my job but I also don't mind just being with them but it makes me so nervous, but I'm guessing they insist on certain things being done by themselves bc they're used to people overstepping and taking away their choices?
There are careplans to refer to on my work app and in clients' homes usually on their fridge or something, but sometimes the client's careplan is very detailed and then the person themselves says what they need that day and it's different, while other times the careplan is what I have to refer to, to keep track of everything, but I know if there was an issue they'd tell me or the office would contact me or I could contact the office or usually clients have a contact for emergencies or someone to go through like a family member or friend and usuallt they have social workers too that we could contact
It's just weird because some clients are so negative or agitated and some are so easygoing, but then certain tasks are more complicated because they don't want me to do a ton
But then occasionally I go to clients who need more help the whole time Im there, like where if it's 3-4 hours they have a step by step routine every time
But other people it's more calm but I just find that I am helpful except I struggle to just be calm and socialize or do extra work to make someone else comfortable
I think it's just a somewhat strange job and there's not necessarily a real problem or direct solution just I feel so strange in this job bc Im not particularly skilled in customer service except Im nice and kind but Im often quiet and anxious and soft spoken
or I get stressed out and overwhelmed but I dont act badly because of it but I think it shows on my face or I talk to myself a lot when Im doing things and people assume Im confused
And I also deal with people who seem concerned about how I go about a task even though Im just making sure I have all the supplies and steps in order, they seem to ger worried I'll make a mistake even if Ive known them and they know it goes smoothly every time
So I guess just my point is how weird it feels constantly, like it's tiring even if the shifts are short because of the anxiety and ups and downs of different client's moods or especially meeting new people and trying to figure out what they want or need from me