As live-in carers we always hope that things will go smoothly with our placements and that we will return after a short break if we so choose.
Sometimes things do not work out that way. People disagree, or simply do not get on which makes returning an unpleasant thought. Occasionally things go from bad to worse, when another carer blows the whistle on you and suddenly you find yourself suspended.
What on earth has happened?
Right away it is important to remember that many situations like this are the act of another person ‘telling tales’ with no basis of truth. In fact, after discussion with your agency on both sides, this may soon become obvious. They may simply feel they have an axe to grind with you.
Unfortunately, sometimes the other carer, or the person who blew the whistle on you, has a valid point.
What happens next?
Possibly the first thing you will realize is that your agency contacts you and withdraws you from the placement.
You may only be given an hour or so notice to pack up and leave the client. If so, your agency may suggest a place for you to stay while the investigation continues – because continue it must and will.
There is a very stringent process when someone has blown the whistle and every complaint will be investigated in great depth.
Will they hear my side?
Yes, the agency and even the CQC is obligated to hear your side of the story. However, they may not do this right away as the focus will be on gathering facts from your accuser before hearing your side.
The best thing you can do is to try to stay calm and think about what they have reported you on. This may not be obvious at first, and in fact, the agency may give you no clue as to why you have been suspended.
Go over every little detail of recent events which have happened at your placement and make notes. Make as many notes as you can because in a week or two you will have forgotten things which may be important.
Keep to yourself
Be careful who you talk to. If you are staying at agency accommodation, then keep yourself to yourself. Remember that walls do have ears and you do not know who is listening and may relate your opinions to staff.
How long will this go on?
It is not uncommon for an investigation to take four to five weeks while your agency calls witnesses and asks for other opinions, so you need to be patient (which is easier said than done!)
Find something that you can do, go for walks, read a book, anything to keep your mind occupied.
By all means contact your agency and ask about progress. You may find that they are somewhat vague on this – they are simply covering themselves in case you have done something wrong.
Finally – a verdict!
Your agency is obliged to tell you their verdict and that of the CQC if they have been involved. They will hear your side of the story and it is then that you will be informed about anything you did wrong.
If you have been proven innocent you will be told when they will offer you another placement. You will not return to your old client – ever.
Unfortunately, if you have been found guilty it is unlikely that your agency will ever offer you any further work. If the CQC has been involved, you may not be able to work as a live-in carer again until you have had follow-up training if relevant.
Final thoughts
Having the whistle blown against you is possibly one of the most devastating things that can happen to a carer. Not only are you out of work until the final verdict, but you will also have to pay for accommodation and food for yourself for several weeks.
The most important thing is to stay calm, take things day by day until you have a clear picture of your future. Be realistic with yourself and keep your mind busy with positive thoughts rather than negative thinking.
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