I work home health care. For the past 3.5 years I have worked almost every day. I took care of an elderly man up until I got pregnant with my son 68 hours a week. After I got pregnant I had to fight with my employer to get other care takers to help. I was very dedicated to my client so if a caretaker didn’t show up I would go help this client. It was extremely exhausting. I was even going to help a few days before I delivered my son. My client knew he could always count on me.
The end of October everything changed. I got to clients house at 6:30 am. I noticed he had a lot on congestion. With his medical condition I decided to contact 911. They came out and loaded him up and took him to the ER. Well, the hospital decided it was a COPD flare up and they sent him home. I was so upset because I knew he wasn’t in the right condition to be home.
I went over there to help him get settled in for the evening. I expressed to his daughter how I was concerned about her dad. The following morning I got there, his condition has not changed. I was anger with the hospital for sending him home. I let him sleep a bit longer, then I went to get him up. As soon as I did I knew something was wrong. I contacted 911 again, this time was different. My client died on me while I was on the phone trying to get him help. They helped me give chest compressions until EMT got there.
Once EMT got there they worked on client for 30 minutes and brought him back, however, the following day my client passed away.
This has been extremely hard on me. I can’t believe the man I have grown attached too. The man who adored my son, was gone.
I am so pissed that the hospital sent him home, I am so angry I didn’t call for help before trying to get him up.
I miss him everyday.
I went from working 50 hours a week, to only working 12 hours a week. While now I get to spend more time with my son, I miss my client.
Do you work home healthcare? How do you handle losing a client?
About Jammie Morey
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