Oh look. Respite worker for snack, YUM

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Oh look. Respite worker for snack, YUM
8
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 1:08pm

Ya know this respite thing is a pain in the tush. We have had a large amount of hours approved forever. As a matter of fact, I requested they be cut down because I don't use them. In fact, I thought I had gotten rid of them when I asked again. Why? Because it is near impossible to find a worker that is both consistent and can handle my brood.

Well, now I need respite again to cover Mike when I have classes next spring and I want someone during basketball that can be with him for some of practices so I can get the other kids where they need to go and actually see Dave play as well.

Today, I FINALLY get a call from new respite worker (started this process again 2 months ago) and it was the meekest sounding little girl with a thick hispanic accent. The thick accent isn't a problem for me but accents drive Mike crazy because he has a hard enough time understanding language as it is. ANd MEEK? They sent me someone Meek? He will eat her alive!

Fortunately she didn't have the times I needed available. I called the NEW respite agency and had to gently tell them they needed to get me someone a little more Mike proof. lol.

Renee

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Registered: 11-28-2006
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 2:03pm

Hi Renee,
Could you please tell me what respite is or what a respite worker is? Thanks :)

Elaine

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Registered: 09-13-2006
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 2:13pm

LOL!

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 2:14pm

LOL! at Mike Proof! Hope you find someone that's not meek yet is flexible and not a tyrant! that's the problem we've had-- finding someone who isn't meek so Owen doesn't run over them and yet someone who is doesn't make Martha cry and Weston go hide in his room under the covers. I'm just looking for a regular sitter since we can't (and probably won't ever) even get to the top of the waiting list for respite care. So far our oldest son (15 yrs old, responsible yet very quirky) is the only one that can handle all my kids w/o upsetting the balances. So, we leave him in charge and I get lots of phone calls.

Betsy

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 3:52pm

Renee, it's stories like this that make me SO greatful I chose a company in which I can choose my own PCA's!

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 6:40pm

We did the find your own stuff once and that didn't work for me either. UGH.

Mike is now 10 and nearly 90lbs of pure energy. The only one that can handle the brood is now a broody teen who is more interested in her BF and parttime job at panera so no more sitter there. Grandma's work well. Mine can handle them but I can't overuse her. Poor thing wouldbe sent to an early grave.

So far no call for a new one though. I am thinking of asking his 1:1 from school to do it but I noticed today that I think she might be preggers. If so NO GO!

Renee

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 6:46pm

I know what you mean! It is hard to find someone with the right mix who actually sticks around.

Cait is just getting to an age where I am giving her more independence and responsibility. She is definitely quirky and poor problem solving but we have gotten it to where she can stay home with Emily for 1/2 hour to an hour. I am considering letting her watch Dave for a short period of time once a week when I need her with me on the phone the whole time, social stories, etc.

HOWEVER, there is NO WAY she can handle the mikester and I don't think she ever could so he is going to need a respite person until he gets to a level of maturity that he can be responsible for himself. That may be a bit.

Renee

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Registered: 06-25-2003
Thu, 12-07-2006 - 9:22am

I KWYM. With some people you just *know* that they

-Paula

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 12-07-2006 - 9:42am

the counselor would be a good idea IF it wasn't 45 minutes away. Most of the counselors are aides or teachers from DH's district and won't want to come up here for respite. They would spend what they earn in gas alone plus commute time traffic is a BEAR.

The nice thing is the company I called yesterday supposidly has someone who would be good for Mike but she is out until January. They are hoping to get someone before but really if we had to wait until January it wouldn't be too bad.

Renee

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