I am caring for an 87-year-old, in her home. She does not have central AC. She has window units but refuses to run them. This past week, it has been 87° outside, just about every day. Sometimes she even turns the heat on in certain rooms, in the morning, when she gets up. My shift is 7pm to 7am. She allows the daytime caregiver to open 1 window in the kitchen and turn on the ceiling fan, but when I get there, she insists that I close and lock the window. I bought myself a small tabletop fan that I plug in, once she's gone to bed. The inside temperature is 85° F in the late evening, after the sun has been down for a while. I'm sure it reaches 90° or more during the day. She sleeps with her bedroom door closed and when she gets up during the night to go to the restroom, she is soaking wet, from sweat. I try and let her know it's because it's too hot in the house, but she argues with me and says, "Too hot! It's cold in here!" But that's when she is damp and wearing a wet nightgown. Even after she's changed, she won't turn on the fan in her bedroom for circulation, because it will just blow cool air on her. She has a small dog who was just groomed and clipped short for the summer and she says since he lost all of his hair, he'll be too cold with the fan on. Meanwhile, he is sluggish and overheated because she keeps him in her closed up bedroom, with her. This is the first week of May. I'm not sure what to do as the temperature gets hotter. The windows are not easily accessible (for me to open, once she's gone to bed); she's almost 88 and has collected many things. Sometimes I re-open the small kitchen window, after she's gone to bed, but without another window open somewhere, there's no draft and it doesn't do much good. Plus, she is VERY particular and her hearing is spot on. It's a small, 1 level rancher, and every noise can be heard from everywhere. I've tried what I feel like I can do and now I'm asking for suggestions.
However, if there is no remedying the situation even after bringing it the attention of her family and your supervisor, I would move on. No one should have to work in sweatshop conditions in 2024!
Id move on, one thing about caregiving is , there is always another client around the corner. There is not a shortage of aging people
I visited a precious 100 year old woman yesterday who had on a sweatshirt and sweatpants and it was 88 degrees here in NC, and she didn't have any air on. I just make sure that I'm dressing appropriately when I go visit her, as I am hot natured.
When my late husband was still alive, he was also cold natured and I would just make sure he had his sweatshirts and sweatpants on and an extra blanket, so I could have our air-conditioning on as it gets pretty hot here in NC, and I didn't have to sweat in my own house.
But this is not your house you're in so I guess you have the choice of either finding a different client or you bring your own fan or something to try and keep you cool.
I wonder how the daytime aid was able to convince her to turn on the A/C. Have you asked this other aid? Maybe she just doesn't give the woman a choice in the matter.
When you're dealing with a stubborn, elderly sick person, sometimes you can't allow them the choice they want if it's something that you know might be dangerous for them. Just as you would not allow a toddler all of their choices. "Do you want to wear the green shirt or the yellow shirt?" - yes, but "Would you rather play with the blocks or the knife?" - no.
If you're not willing to leave this particular assignment, you might have to be more forceful with this woman.
Who is actually paying you? If it's anyone but this woman, I would tell that person/agency what is going on as well. Especially as the temperatures will soon be at dangerous extremes. This will soon be less of a matter of comfort and more a matter of safety - for both of you.
Good luck!
You can also report her to the Animal Safety organization for the sake of the dog, and maybe report her to APS as a vulnerable adult so that she gets on their radar before it's too late -- especially if she doesn't have a PoA.
Does she have a social worker? If so make sure to report to that person.
If you cannot continue to work for her resign.
I wouldn't put a whole lot of time into pre-worry about what may or may not happen, but given you so intimately know her and her proclivities, it may be a good idea to be ready with other job plans.
If she says NO, tell her you are going to leave. Then leave.
Part of being a caregiver is knowing when to do what is necessary for the well being of the elder. She is not in her right mind; her body temperature is off or changing for whatever reasons.
Leave. You can find another job.
Have family member (or you) make MD appt. She needs to be assessed medically.
My aunt had a stroke due to the heat..
yup resign, and tell the family or your employer why.:
tell her you like her, but the AC being on a few hours a day may benefit
I would resign if you get pushback on this.
You have to negotiate it. If she is firm on her stance and you can’t manage the heat, you need to find a different place to work.
Be sure to stay hydrated and to keep your client and her dog hydrated. Many, many people work and live in temps just as warm and much warmer. You will acclimate to a degree. Not all of us mind the heat as much as others.
If you don’t have one already, invest in a large double insulated cup that keeps the ice frozen longer for your water. That might help keep you more comfortable.
No there is no negotiating. This is an unsafe environment for the client, the caregiver, and the dog.
The OP even says the client gets up soaked with sweat at night because of the stifling heat. Her refusal to allow cooling or ventilation is unsafe for everyone. Ther's no negotiation on safety.
Please report to your agency that the home environment is unsafe because of her insistence on the heat being on and no air ventilation or cooling allowed. Then call animal control because the dog is in danger.
I am sorry to say that you will lose this position for reporting because very likely your client will get placed in a care facility for her own safety. It will be what's best for her, the dog and yourself because you are putting your own health at risk being in such an unsafe work environment 12 hours a day in what sounds to me like a disgusting, overheated hoard. Please tell your supervisor this is unsafe.
I have a homecare business where I open every case personally or send my aide supervisor. If the home we visit is filthy, hoarded, or roasting because the elder has the heat on in the height of summer or refuses to allow cooling or ventilation, I will not take them on out service. Caregiver safety is just as important as client safety. Do not return to that house until changes are made.