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Jennylynn Asked June 2021

My coworker is not bathing her senior client. I have made two complaints and shes still on shift and my manager has done nothing! Advice?

CaregiverL Jun 2021
Contact family & recommend bed sponge baths only.
JoAnn29 Jun 2021
This is not her responsibility and should not be. She reported it to her supervisor. Its up to that supervisor to talk to the other aide and find out why she is not bathing the client. Could be the client fights her and she is getting hurt or the person refuses to be bathed. It is the responsibility of that aide to bring it to the supervisor attn she cannot bathe the person. Then the supervisor contacts the family telling them about the problem. There is chain of command for a reason, good or bad.
Grandma1954 Jun 2021
You have reported to your manager. The situation is now out of your hand. Or as I say ..it is above your pay grade.
A client can refuse a shower or a bath.
If the fact that the client is not bathing bothers you to the point where you can no do your job you can be asked to be reassigned.

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Stacy0122 Jun 2021
According to the case manager at my house, the client has a right to refuse to be bathed. The worker documents it on papeework, do you? Nothing is so simple as forcing a bath, even when it is necessary.

cwillie Jun 2021
I have a problem with advice that implies that simply reporting neglect or abuse up the chain of command is adequate, what about when this kind of thing is not resolved because the supervisor can't be bothered or the facility/agency in general is sub standard and toxic? IMO this is one of the reasons why the good workers burn out and leave.
AlvaDeer Jun 2021
But if supervisory staff cannot handle it, certainly this aid worker cannot, and the repercussions for her interfering directly with a person already not doing the job could be serious to her. Adult protective could be brought in if things are dire. But I think following the chain of command is definitely the way to start. Just my humble opinion. Our OP has zero control over this worker.
AlvaDeer Jun 2021
I am assuming that you have given your manager the information you have that is solid evidence? After that everything is up to your manager, not you. If she was counseled I doubt you would be privy to that information. Simply let your manager know your information, and step away from the situation.
NeedHelpWithMom Jun 2021
Sounds like a sensible solution to me. The only thing that she should truly be concerned about is that she is doing her job adequately. The rest will sort itself out.
JoAnn29 Jun 2021
You have made your complaint thats all you can do. Have youcasked the co-worker why she doesn't bath the client?

NeedHelpWithMom Jun 2021
Are you bathing her?

polarbear Jun 2021
Do you know why your coworker is not bathing her senior client? Is the coworker neglectful in other duties as well?

At one time, several years ago, my mother who has Alzheimer's had gone for 6 straight months without bathing. She would refuse and would break down crying whenever I insisted she take a shower. I couldn't physically force her, so what could I have done? Nothing.

Is there a chance that the senior client is also refusing baths?

NeedHelpWithMom Jun 2021
Sorry to hear this.

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