Over worked till you drop

[loumullen]

Seen as how my last post made it onto the board, I would like to congratulate Snappo for her conviction to stand up and be accounted for her care of those left in her charge on her shift.
I had a crack at trying to submit a reply to Snappo's attempts with emailing the minister for aged care, now a couple of weeks back. But for some unknowen reason the post didn't make it from my computer to the board. Anyway the point at the time for me is I wished her and everyone good luck with the idea to flood the minister with email's. I indeed did annoy Santo Santoro "remember Santo? the minister who gave generous to his mates" Well I got my up comings with badgering his email AC for months with request for all nurses to receive pay increases, I even offered he come to work with me on a grave yard shift and find out first hand what it is to be a nurse in a n/home. Anyway I have been a recipient on DSP for years with a not so good back. All of a sudden I started to receive review notices for every thing including pay slips for the past twelve months from my employers, I phoned a lass at business ethics why I had become the centre of attention, her reply "an internal request" I then directly had ATO go through me like epson salts. If nothing elt's, Santo left me one legacy "a cure for irritable bowl syndrome".

[Snappo]

Just going to add a little bit here....it's hard enough fighting for the rights and dignity of our residents, but hey, we are now fighting for our rights as workers, at least where I am currently working we are.

At our low care facility we were given a 15 minute tea break, in addition to our 1/2 hour meal break. Since we serve dinner at 17:00 hours, we all make the necessary preparations for the residents' dinner, shower whoever is a pre dinner shower (I hasten to add here, we 'multi task', read that as Jack of all trades, master of none!!), then at 16.30 go for our 15 minute break. It was nice sitting out in the sun with our colleagues, having a coffee, maybe a smoke, and a laugh.....until the facility manager came along and wanted to know 'who was on the floor'. Apart from the dementia area (where there is always someone on the floor), if a resident needs a carer, be they 'on the floor', in the loo, or outside having a smoke, they press their buzzer. We carry a device and acknowledge the buzzer without hesitation. Apparently this is no longer good enough, we are obviously a bunch of bludgers. So, the 15 minute tea break was taken from us, amazing, until I had to point out that this is actually illegal as the break is part of our workplace agreement. It appears that our erstwhile manager must have misread the section, she obviously re read it, and a few days later it was reinstated, but at the 10 minutes as stated in the agreement, and not the 15 minutes they had previously given us. Oh, and only two staff can be on tea break at the same time, therefore, we now have to fiddle around sorting out who wants their break when. Why make life difficult when you can make it impossible???

The other wonderous thing they are doing, is training up a casual CSE2 to be a team leader!!. Apart from the fact that casuals cannot do higher duties, or be team leaders (according to our workplace agreement), a CSE 2's job description clearly states that they must be under supervision!! So this CSE2 is in charge of CSE 3 and 4's. This is similar to putting EEN's in charge of RN's....doesn't happen. I emailed the facility manager explaining, very respectfully, the above. She, in her infinite wisdom, has not seen fit, to date, to reply, it's been 10 days. Guess it's a trip to the Union on this one.

One would think that aged carers were easy to come by, just goes to prove that we are given no respect by the heirarchy, and how dare we think we can actually understand the agreement, when the grand pooh bah facility manager obviously can't..ahhh, life goes on.

[linda_m]

You describe a very dysfunctional work place Snappo! Staff morale must be really something at your low care facility. And what sort of manager doesn't even know the work place agreement? How sad for both staff and for residents.

[Snappo]

Yep, Linda, stinks, doesn't it. Staff morale used to be great, but with the advent of the new mananger, it has kind of gone down the drain. I worked there a year ago, left, then returned. I couldn't believe the change in the place. Amazing what one person is capable of doing. Our only light at the end of the tunnel is that facility managers come and go, but staff stay on forever... She is truely an amazingly arrogant and egotistical woman. She has informed everyone that any contracts they had pre her time, are now obsolete. She tends to forget that the contracts are between the worker and the company, not the worker and her, personally. In any case, as far as I know, you can't just declare a contract null and void without having another one to take it's place.

Oh, well, here we go again, another trial to get through!!!!!

[loumullen]

Yes my point exactly to you're first reply Snappo. If we are to take up the cause to improve services for the aged in our care, then first we need to take into account our work conditions and respect for our own self esteem to press forward and deliver a quality of care service in the first place.
The one issue i can't get my head around is administration getting away with work place bullying and the ramifications. On one hand we are expected to wear criticism for thinking of our selves and the flow on effect this can have for the rest of a shift. Admin don't give a toss so long they get their point of view across. An example was: while shopping with a client one day, I received a call from an admin assistant making an inquiry about a roster issue not of my doing, however I wore the brunt of attitude this person had for me without respect, as the phone was starting to steam I hung up when I decided the person on the other end was way out of line, but did manage to get under my skin. The first thing the client said to me is "are you OK" it dawned on me the effect, attitude and response can have, while with a client.
Under QLD WPH&S legislation: work place bullying is un acceptable, however admin seem to think this does not apply to them.

PS, Clients and their familys also talk of bullying styles when dealing with administration staff.

[Snappo]

Interestingly, since the re-instatement of our errant tea break, and the email I sent to the manager concerning our team leadering casual Grade 2, I haven't laid eyes on her. Prior to this she was a very regular presence. Oh, and she still hasn't responded to the email, and our Grade 2 still leads!!

Loumullen, one of my most emabarrassing experiences was some years ago I worked in community aged care. I went with the manager to meet a new client I was to be working with. The family were changing him from one service over to ours. The gentleman was a very intelligent and articulate man, but was a little confused as to why I was to go in and help him when, as far as he was concerned, he already had a perfectly good helper. The manager's horribly patronising explanation? "She is going to be your friend", with the emphasis on 'friend'. I, and his family, nearly choked. Stupid woman, where do they find them?

[wanda]

If the very worst thing happening in aged care today is that Snappo’s tea break has been reduced from 15 minutes to 10, then you’d have to say that aged care probably is in pretty good shape.
Sadly, those of us who take an interest know that aged care is in anything but good shape. And some of us feel that the nature of the aged care workforce is a strong contributing factor.
That’s not because I wish to ‘put down’ the workers, and not because I object to people letting off steam about their workplace.

But I do question whether this Forum (or at the least, this section of the Forum) is the best place to do so:
1. It detracts from the message of Aged Care Crisis – that our elderly in care deserve better than they are, often, currently receiving
2. It discourages visitors to the Forum (I’m sorry, Snappo, but no-one – honestly, no-one – is interested in whether or not the manager has spoken to you today.)
3. It discourages participation in the Forum. People are interested in reasoned opinion - I’ve been surprised by how far-reaching a post on the Forum can be at times - but they’re not going to wade through reams of self-pity to reach it.

We don’t value our elderly enough in Australia. We place a low value on aged care work and we end up with a naive workforce, ill-equipped to carry out the rarely acknowledged yet very effective role of the workers – to keep an eye on the behaviour of our ‘betters’. Just the presence of a knowledgeable assertive workforce is enough in most businesses and industries to deter excessive abuse of power.

Change will come to aged care when carers, too, are willing to rise above the personal and the petty (“what happened to me at work today”) and begin to read a little, to think a little, and fully engage with the industry that feeds them. It’s a small hope I know. But at least it’s a hope.

And PS, Snappo: Ten minutes is pretty much the standard tea break throughout the workforce. Some of us stretch it occasionally – a pleasant change and makes up for the other times when the pressure of deadlines rules out a tea break altogether. I think you’d be surprised how many routinely make do with a quick coffee at the desk, because – get this, Snappo – many of us enjoy our work, take pride in it, and get satisfaction out of completing it. Few of us keep our heads stuck in the workplace agreement. We give a little, get a little, and everyone wins (including, in aged care, the residents – who cannot escape the environment the workers build around them).

And PPS: I’d like to think there was someone ‘on the floor’ in an aged care facility at all times. Not every incident comes with a handily ringing buzzer attached.

[loumullen]

Hey Snappo, you and Wanda know each other?. I think the point Wanda missed is the heading for this dicussion. However as Wanda pointed out: the elderly have to wade through the site with inappropriate chat for the forum they seek for information. If that be the case then I think they would agree on many issues discussed along the way.
What I would like to make clear with my original point of view is work place ethics and respect has a big part to play with work place harmony to better the cause for those in our care, on our shift and no one should have to put up with work place bullying. Bullying comes in all forms and shapes, whether it be verbal or physical if it comes with intent to insight it's bullying. Of course this issue alone includes all, from staff, managment and clients.

[Snappo]

Goodness, Wanda, you have given me both barrells, and then some, haven't you!! My tea break has actually got nothing to do with aged care, what it does have to do with is staff morale at the ACF, and compliance with a legal agreement. If staff morale is low, tell me Wanda, how do you think this will affect the care. Please remember the tea break was 'forbidden'...tch...tch...Illegal!! And, as you stated, we often miss it anyway, depending on what's happening, no one minds, that's the nature of the work, but to be told 'you can't have it', this is a different matter altogether. If staff are devalued, they will not give their best. If staff are valued, respected, and treated fairly, this will flow on to the residents. This sounds very reasonable to me and I can't believe I have to actually point it out.

Wanda, the heading of this section of the Forum is "Overworked til you drop". This obviously does not refer to the careing side of our work, it refers to the workers' themselves. If you find it tiresome, that's fine, but it's very rude to denigrate someone for having their say.

One last thing, Wanda, I truely resent your (totally incorrect) inference that I neither enjoy, take pride in, nor get satisfaction from my work. These are the precise reasons I do it..your comments are sarcastic, unnecessary, and way out of line Your little gem concerning having my head 'stuck' in the Workplace Agreement, beggars belief. Excuse me, but I thought it would be to everyone's benefit to be aware of the agreement, what earthly good is it if you aren't? It is there to protect management and staff, if I didn't uphold my part, I would be told quick smart, so why do you think that management don't have to uphold their part as well?

It would be really interesting to know your roll in aged care, where you fit in, are you a worker, management, the family member of a recipent of aged care, or perhaps a recipient yourself? Please feel free to enlighten us, after all this is a Forum, but please, let's not get personal and cast aspersions on the character of people we know nothing about, far better if we fight for the residents' on a united front.

Happy New Year.

[Snappo]

Hi Loumullen, No I don't know Wanda, unless she's the manager of the facility I work at!!!! If people care to browse this Forum, they will see that my heart is where my mouth is. I speak up here, and I speak up at work, I have the right to voice my concerns and opinions, and will continue to do so. I will also respect the rights of others to do the same without fear of ridicule.

Have a great New Year, I look forward to better things in aged care in 2009.

[Administrator]

Hi all,

I have created a new forum called Aged Care: Workplace issues and moved this topic to it. It would be appreciated if for any future similar posts, that you use either this forum or the Staffing Issues forum.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas, and wishing you all the very best for a Happy New Year. Looking forward to more robust discussions in the forums!

[Snappo]

Thankyou, Administrator. I apologise for the preceeding, it's not quite what I had in mind when I joined this website. I understand that there will be differing opinions, as there should be, but I try to be as respectful as possible, I'm still bemused as to how this has come about......nevermind, have a great New Year, hopefully 2009 will see an improvement in all aspects of aged care.

[Administrator]

Snappo, no need to apologise at all, in my view!

[Sally]

Dear Snappo,

I've thought from the start that you are a person 'after my own heart'. We seem to have had and are still having the same problems, disappointments and heartaches, and are still fighting for the rights of not only the elderly, but those who give of themselves to care for them.
I know how much it all hurts and how desperate it gets at times. Regardless of whether it be the workers or the elderly people, we are all entitled to respect, dignity and our rights.
Hang in there Snappo, we are both wearing scars, (as are many others) but those scars have been earned by our love, consistency, compassion and HARD WORK and lots of heartache and tears !

Happy 2009

[wanda]

Less of the self-pity please, ladies. There’s nothing harsher in my post than in yours, Snappo – I daresay the “amazingly arrogant and egotistical” “ grand pooh bah facility manager” would find your words as uncomfortable as you apparently find mine.
Life is never as simple as “I speak up” – but she “gives both barrels”.
I “voice my concerns and opinions” – but she “gets personal and casts aspersions”.

So let’s drop the wounded feelings thing. Let’s get to the substance.

I’ve done the hard yards in aged care, have worked (til I nearly dropped) in personal care, under dysfunctional management (a real corker), and been bullied out of the workplace (along with colleagues) for taking the only stand open to anyone with a conscience. Obviously, there were industrial issues in a place like this. But in this case, an innocent resident had been targeted, too.

When you compare the plight of the workers in a facility like this with the plight of the residents, Snappo, there is only one conclusion: The workers are ok. Aged care is not easy work and yes, the average provider tries it on wherever possible. But there are industrial laws and workplace agreements and very powerful back-up from the unions and ombudsman offices. At the end of the day, the workers are covered.
(There is of course a broader issue of general staffing levels and staffing mix.)

But the residents are not ok. They are not covered. We were stunned in our facility by the cold detached efficiency with which the ‘system’ steam-rolled over this old man and his family as though they were worth nothing. No justice here. No mercy. Not even honesty. Every aspect of every glossy-pamphleted agency boasting its commitment to the aged – the Aged Rights Advocacy Service, the accreditation agency, the ACAT team, the (in our case) Alzheimer’s Association of SA, the (then) Complaints Resolution Scheme – works the same way, weighted against protecting the resident and toward protecting themselves, and all protected from the public eye inside a huge bubble of secrecy.

The point I am leading to is this: I hear what you say, Snappo. I picture clearly what it’s like to work in your organisation. Now I want to hear what it’s like to be a resident in your facility.

It’s not enough to argue that good things “flow on” to the residents once staff are “valued, respected and treated fairly”. If the staff are waiting around for someone “up there” to give them better conditions first, or someone in charge to love them more, then change could be a long time coming.

Were the aged care workforce ever to mobilise on behalf of residents DESPITE the pressures they face as workers (it’s an idealistic thought, I know) – then I think we all know that change would be instant and dramatic.
And were that to happen, I think you might discover that, actually, it works the other way round? When the day comes that residents are “valued, respected and treated fairly” within aged care then the conditions you seek and the respect you desire will tend to “flow on” to the workforce.

Cheers