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Care & carers

Lack of Carer's courtesy while in your property

(8 Posts)
langelei Mon 29-Jun-26 15:44:13

A really new predicament for me, having nursed my husband for over four years but now accepted, begrudgingly, one visit a day for a Carer's agency (Marie Curie supported) to come and wash him and cream him just once a day. I totally accept that but quite honestly their standards, against my own, full down. They seem unable to make a bed without any forethought of how to first remove the bed rails first and then tuck in all the bedding. I seem to be forever cleaning up after them after they have left, the longest they have been here is 12 minutes. Today I caught a new one standing at the bathroom sink supposedly filling the bowl for his bed wash, scrolling lazily through her phone. But what really upsets me, and perhaps I am being a little petty about it, that they all seem to want to use the bathroom for themselves before they leave (male & female) without ever having the courtesy to ask if I would mind first.
Now two weeks into this regime with differing carers, two visit at a time, I discover they then sit in their vehicles in the carpark for another 30 minutes no doubt being paid to do this.
Please, how do I deal with this, as they are being invited into our home and property?

eddiecat78 Mon 29-Jun-26 15:50:07

You should contact the Agency and ask the carers' manager to deal with it.
If this doesn't help contact a different agency

TwiceAsNice Mon 29-Jun-26 15:50:10

How long are they contracted to be with you ? 12 minutes is no time to help care properly for someone especially if they are hiding in the bathroom on their phone? Why are they sitting outside doing nothing?

Please phone the agency and clarify what you can expect, especially the amount of time . Explain everything you have seen. I may be wrong but I would have thought you should have something in writing regarding their service/contract.

I feel for you it sounds horrendous hope it improves soon

Bellanonna Mon 29-Jun-26 16:00:31

Agree with both the above. Do mention ‘phone and car park time too.

butterandjam Mon 29-Jun-26 16:12:53

* But what really upsets me, and perhaps I am being a little petty about it, that they all seem to want to use the bathroom for themselves before they leave (male & female) without ever having the courtesy to ask if I would mind first. *

They have just used your bathroom in the course of caring for your husband.

Of course , before leaving they must use the bathroom again "for themselves" to wash their hands; essential hygiene. I'd be shocked if they did not.

.

Cabbie21 Mon 29-Jun-26 16:17:46

I agree with butterandjam about using the bathroom.

Is it possible they have to complete records of their visit on their phones? And look to see where their next visit will be?

Just some possible explanations of what you are seeing, but to be sure, contact the agency to find out exactly what you can expect.

M0nica Mon 29-Jun-26 16:17:46

butterandjam

* But what really upsets me, and perhaps I am being a little petty about it, that they all seem to want to use the bathroom for themselves before they leave (male & female) without ever having the courtesy to ask if I would mind first. *

They have just used your bathroom in the course of caring for your husband.

Of course , before leaving they must use the bathroom again "for themselves" to wash their hands; essential hygiene. I'd be shocked if they did not.

.

But surely they would be wearing disposable gloves.

There should be a written contract specifying exactly what services they will provide and over what period of time. They should not be allowed to use their phones while on your premises unless in an emergency.

If there is not a written contract demand (not ask) demand one and then make sure it is fulfilled to the letter.

DaisyAnneReturns Mon 29-Jun-26 16:26:52

NICE states that home care agencies should ensure visits last at least 30 minutes.
Shorter visits (such as 15-minute calls) are heavily discouraged and should only occur in exceptional circumstances. Exceptions where shorter visits are permitted include:
Specific tasks: Short check-ins to ensure a service user has taken medication.
Safety checks: Quick visits to ensure an individual is safe and well.
Prior agreement: When the person receiving care (and their family) has.

If your agency is cutting visits short without your prior agreement and you are not receiving the care stipulated in your care plan, you should report this to your local care manager or the Care Quality Commission (CQC).