What to charge for services? **UPDATE** GOT A BETTER JOB!!

[mylittlechickpea]

When I was doing it, I just thought of it as no different than changing an infants diaper. They're just bigger... If that makes any sense at all, and some days I didn't even have to wipe a bum. I just did it, got it over and done with and on to whatever else we had planned. Scrabble, movie, cards, etc. It really was not as bad as I thought it would be at first. Very quick, and her son or other family may already have a system in place that works for them and is efficient that they can show you how to do.

I had to do a couple sponge baths on a new lady one time, and I was honestly glad to get back to wiping booty after that. That was awkward for me.

 

[purr]

I was a nurse's aid when I was 17. It's hard work but can be very rewarding. Just think of the difference your making for this lady and her family, and be professional that's what saved me from many embarrassing moments.

 

[turney31]

Be careful, light housekeeping sometimes turns into a whole lot more.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Bless you for doing this for your family's sake and also for the sake of this lady. I bet she'd up & trade places with you in an instant.

I'd say set your boundries right from the start and keep them firm. Especially since you're working for a friend, the lines between being a pal & being an employee could easily get blurred. Get a list in writing as to what duties you are expected to do for your $6 an hour. Keep track in writing of any times you're asked to do things that aren't on that list. Let them know the first time they ask that some task isn't on your list, and you'll do it this ONCE as a favor, but after that they'll have to start paying more.

I wish you all the best!

 

[pbjmaker]

Isn't minimum wage $7.25/hour? or is that just here in Iowa?

 

[stanglover2001]

Well my neighbor does that stuff, sits with patients and cleans up their houses and stuff. She was hired through a company that gets paid like $16 an hour, but she only makes like $7.50 an hour and has been with the company for years. I think you're getting under paid, but a job is a job and those are hard to find. I think she said if she could pass the test for a certificate she'd make more, but she failed it and has given up on getting it.

Oh, are you sure you're going to be wiping her butt? Because sometimes that's not part of the job.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Quote:
Right, a job is a job, and currently what I need. I was hoping for more money, but...hope doesn't pay the bills. I will find a way to enjoy this for the most part. Wonder if they ever kept chickens

I bet I can learn a lot from these folks. Added bonus is they are of the age to have survived the Deprtession as young kids so I bet they have some tales to tell! I'll make do with what I have. There will be a good bit of downtime so maybe I can work on my book and crafts to sell on Etsy and maybe even some online stuff if they have internet closeby. I dunno....I have to stop being negative about it though...else I'll run myself crazy and go in the first day like this---->

 

[maizey]

my hat is off to you cindiloohoo - let us know how this goes for you.

 

[wildorchid053]

i did it for free for my motherinlaw .. she had alzheimers and the last 6 mos were really bad.. very infantile and unable to walk or speak or feed herself.. i was not paid and i totally disliked that woman.. hadn't seen her for over 20 yrs.. but when i went to see her in a nursing home with sores on her back and bottom i took her home right there and then.. funny how that mean, strong willed woman became such a frail helpless soul. you couldn't help but care for her.. i have no idea if she ever realized it was the hated daughter in law who was wiping her bottom and changing her diapers. or if i was the one who bathed and fed her but i felt good about doing it.. i know it was the right thing to do.. funny how things can change your life.. 6.00 isn't very much but it might be all they can afford for now and if it helps your family out then it is a good thing to be doing .. god bless ..... linda

 

[mississippifarmboy]

I've nothing but lots of respect for ya Cindi. You're doing what you have to do to survive, that's what matters most. I'll be praying for you that something you like to do better will come along.

BTW, I'd have give you that much to clean my house.