You have really hit on a lot of my points of concern. I am 56 years old and have been managing Ryan's care for exactly half that time - since I was 28. That means I was younger than both of my sons when I became a full-time caregiver - albeit - I was also a mom with very young kids who ran an active business. I also was the ONLY caregiver for Ryan for the first 10 years. Looking back - I have no idea how I did it.
But having been in business, I learned how to treat people - when to give a bit, when not to. And as I've told her several times during the past year - this is NOT my first rodeo. They are the about the 6th agency I've had. I know what is kosher and what is not. But I'm used to working with large agencies - they have set fees and fairly general rate increases. What I'm figuring out here is that she charges different rates to different people - based on what she thinks she can get them to pay. SO WRONG!!!
Today I read of a national company that lists agencies for hire in rural areas. They are listed on it. As such - I believe they have to comply to certain standards. I may make a cold call to that company and just ask some questions about the standard of rate increases. I don't want to identify myself because as Summer has pointed out here - I can't jeopardize Ryan's care. She has threatened to pull out 6 times now.
And I guess I'll have to start interviewing other agencies to see what I can come up with.
BUT - your other suggestions (both of you) are right on. And this is what I have been thinking about. Limiting my availability. Some of the problem has been because Ryan has been so sick lately. He is still struggling this week with a serious skin infection. Back to the dr tomorrow. But I'm at the point that I can't/won't answer to her demands anymore.
There are some advantages to having a nanny but also some disadvantages - like having someone around all the time - not so wonderful. But to be able to take him to Florida and have that person to transition him etc - that would be great.
This afternoon I fell asleep on the couch. And I had a really hard time waking up. I think I am just emotionally exhausted.
And yes - I think getting it all in writing is vital because I KNOW that part of it - she is hiding (she could hide a part that is taxable). She put some of it in writing but not all of it. Oh - and Josh thinks we should get in writing that the girls are getting most of the $ as their raise as she told us.
The one other thing about the rate is that she is charging us for transportation - 2 trips a day - yet the government hours are supposed to cover one trip a day. I brought this up at the last case conference (month ago) and she threw a hissy fit. Told me never to bring up money at the case conference and that I had better pay transportation or the girls would all walk. UGH UGH UGH.
OK - concentrating on Josh being here. Better days.
