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JABadger Asked April 2023

Finally a live-in caregiver (M-F) in place at my MIL’s. Hallelujah! Is it usual for the caregiver to do her own laundry at client’s home?

BarbBrooklyn Apr 2023
When I was in grad school, I had a wonderful high school baby sitter who watched my 3 kids after school, took them to activities and gave them piano lessons.

She was responsible for doing her own laundry (her home had no washer/dryer) and she asked if it would be okay if she washed and dried her clothes in mine. I was happy to have her do that.

I think it's a very small perk if she's a good caregiver.
ventingisback Apr 2023
I'm off-topic sorry, but BarbBrooklyn, what's your opinion of allowing live-in caregivers to use the LO's car, with the LO's written consent? I can see pros and cons.
NeedHelpWithMom Apr 2023
How wonderful that you found a live in caregiver to help!

Why would you object to her doing laundry there? Everyone needs to do laundry.

What is she supposed to do, leave the house and go to the laundromat? That wouldn’t work.

She may not own a ton of clothes. So, she will have to wash them more frequently.

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BurntCaregiver Apr 2023
The person lives there. So yes, it is normal and fine for her to do her laundry at your MIL's house.
It's not like she can leave when her shift is over then go and do her laundry at home.
Her shift starts on a Monday and ends on a Friday. You expect her to be responsible for your MIL 24 hours a day 5 days a week. Doing her laundry where she lives five out of seven days really shouldn't even be a question.
I'm going to give you some very good advice here. I was a in-home caregiver for 25 years and now have a homecare business so I'm speaking from experience.
Don't get knit-picky with the caregiver. If it's working out with her be grateful. Being a live-in caregiver is a miserable job. Especially if she's alone with the elder all week long and there's no one else there.
Don't get knit-picky with her about things like laundry or a friend came over some night for coffee or if she asks for some items on the grocery list.
Just do it and you and your MIL will be happy you did.
babsjvd Apr 2023
Well said ..
gladimhere Apr 2023
Yes, she should be allowed to do her laundry there. She is there five days a week? Do you want her to have clean clothes?

Fawnby Apr 2023
It should be allowed. If you have a good caregiver, you want to keep her happy with little things like this. And the person she’s caregiving should buy the detergent.
BurntCaregiver Apr 2023
Treat the help right and they will treat you right. It's pretty simple.
BarbBrooklyn Apr 2023
Venting, I think use of the car is okay if being used to transport the patient. I would call the insurance company and make sure the employee is covered for any accidents and/or injuries caused or sustained.

I would make sure, in general, that the patient has a hefty umbrella policy in addition to adequate auto insurance.
ventingisback Apr 2023
Thanks for the answer! I see!
AlvaDeer Apr 2023
She is live in? As in part of her payment being a sort of rental situation?
In general it is always good to get these expectations written up per contract in instances such as this, as to what usage of what things on premises are allowed. For myself I would think that yes, she should be allowed to do her laundry in the machines. Can you tell me why you would be concerned as regards this? Seems to me it would mean she was the more on the premises and not off at the laundromat, but that's just my own thinking.
pamzimmrrt Apr 2023
I agree, I know I do laundry more than once a week, if I had to do it all on the weekend at a laundrymat I would not be happy. Keep her happy, and your Mom will be happy!! I mean really, laundry kind of does its self. LOL You just move the loads around. They can be folded while she visits with your mom!
Sendhelp Apr 2023
Normal, yes. She is living in.

Just so she does not start to take in laundry as a side job.

Grandma1954 Apr 2023
OOPS I missed the LIVE IN part of this.
Yes she should be able to do laundry. At least the clothes that she has worn Monday through Friday.

JoAnn29 Apr 2023
I missed the live-in part too. So yes, she should be able to her laundry at MILs. Just not her whole families, though.

Venting, the live-in should be on the insurance as an authorized driver. And only be using it to drive the client. I would limit it being used for personal reasons. And if used for personal reasons its made clear that no one else is to drive the car. And if driving the car and they have an accident and its found they are at fault, they will cover any out of pocket the client may have. I would have something in writing.

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