A lady hired me to clean her small apartment. She lives in subsided housing and I think she needs medical help. What can I do?

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K

Kellerbeller Asked April 2023

A lady hired me to clean her small apartment. She lives in subsided housing and I think she needs medical help. What can I do?

She is obese and cannot care for herself. Today when I arrived the place smelled awful! I asked her if the trash needed taken out and she said “No, it’s me.” I don’t think she has bathed at least since I started working there three weeks ago.

She gets her groceries delivered to her and basically lives off of Door Dash food deliveries.

Apparently she defecated all over her place. It was on the floor, bed, pillows, etc. She asked me if I would clean up her bed, and although it was disgusting I did it (with gloves on of course) as I feel badly for her. She is obese, and has diabetes and I’ve never seen her stand up from the recliner where she sits. She is naked but keeps a big blanket over herself. Today she told me that she’s bleeding underneath her breasts because of chafing.

Her older sister comes on Sundays, but apparently left the place like it was for me to clean up today. I don’t know what to do for her. We both know she needs medical attention but she won’t leave her house. I hate to break her trust but I feel like she needs way more than what I am able to provide.

Are there any resources that she could be taking advantage of?

Thanks!

Care Decisions Caregiver Support Medical Care Poor Hygiene

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score 0 · Answer 1

I would tell APS that her sister left her like this and left a hazardous clean up to you. You have no idea what is in this womans bodily fluids. I hope you used bleach to clean up. If your going to clean houses you need to know the dangers. See if the hospital or even your Township has Blood Bourne pathogens seminars u can take or be included in.

I can't believe her sister left her in that situation. I doubt if APS will say this woman can live like this. I would make sure u give them the sisters phone#. I would not go back there and clean anymore.

Please do come back and tell us how things go.

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score 3 · Answer 2

I agree, call APS and tell them about your concerns. They can advise you, and if they think it's necessary they'll come and check up on her.

Look, even if she does suspect it was you who raised the red flags - APS won't tell her - it's still better than doing nothing while she gets sicker and sicker. Be confident that you're doing the right thing.

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Thanks, I appreciate your response.

(1)

score 2 · Answer 3

You don’t have to tell APS who you are when you call. There are resources available but APS can move faster with more authority and get her the help she needs if she will allow it and if it falls within their authorization. The resources are not the same in all areas and for all ages. She has a legal right to live as she chooses under many circumstances. At the least it puts it on their radar so to speak that a disabled person lives at that address. The mind boggles at the living conditions of many in this world.

You are a kind person to try to help her.

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Thank you very much!

(1)

score 2 · Answer 4

Call Adult Protective Services for her. She might not appreciate it but you are right- she needs more help than you can provide by just cleaning up for her.

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Thank you.

(1)

A lady hired me to clean her small apartment. She lives in subsided housing and I think she needs medical help. What can I do?

4 Answers

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