Now I definitely know why the state of in-home care is so bad
Pros
No matter how much you care and want to help another individual, you are up against age-related changes that affect them. Depending on what stage of aging they are in, even the healthiest can resent someone coming into their homes and signifying dependence. It is so rewarding to bridge that gap, be compassionate and respectful and get in the car after a shift and think, "I made a difference." You can make your own schedule if you push back when they start trying to pile a lot of shifts on you but if you don't have an alternate income you can't survive on the pay.
Cons
Horrendously low pay, promises made by the company regarding housework etc. that you don't get paid nearly enough for. They absolutely harass you during and after your shifts about taking on more client visits. $12-13 dollars an hour is the rate in my area. 12 is for companionship but they work it now that it can include light housekeeping, whatever that is, help with the toilet, etc. 13 is full on bed-bound care. The turnover is extremely high as are call outs. I have been in homes where there was black mold, I didn't want to use a toilet or couldn't breathe with the dust. Light housekeeping has turned out to be whatever a client wants.
