As a new live-in carer this is a valid question to ask. If you ask it when you are doing your training, you will get the standard answer that you are allowed 2 hours off each day. Whether you get two hours off a day is quite another matter.
While with some clients this may be the norm, in the real world it seldom happens that way. You may be lucky and have a client where someone comes to the house and stays with your client while you have your two-hour break. More than likely this will not be the case.
So, how much break time do I get?
Legally you as a live-in carer are entitled to 14 hours of break per week. This can be taken in increments of two hours every day, or seven hours on one day and seven on another day. In fact, it can be taken in any form that suits you and your client.
Often, there may be times when it is simply not possible for you to take two hours a day. It may be that there is no-one to cover for you while you go out and you need to stay in the house with your client. In this instance it is not acceptable for family to state that you can rest in your room until you are needed, thus interrupting your rest time.
Unfortunately, family - or whoever is paying your wage - often feel that they can take advantage of your rest time. Even a client may resent the fact that you go out for a walk daily to get some fresh air and clear your head, while they stay at home. Sometimes they will argue that you do not need a break because the work you do is not that tiring. They may even suggest that you take them with you when you go out.
It is important that you make it clear to your client or family that you need and want your break. Agree a time for you to have off and have them make arrangements for someone to stay with your client if needed. Then start as you mean to go on and take that break every day. You should not be tempted to work during your break just because your client does not want to be left alone.
Some clients will try to play a ‘guilt card’ with the carer in that they will try to make you feel guilty about having your time off. While this is unfair on you, it is also something that you should nip in the bud at the start of your assignment. If you do not, they will unfortunately assume that they can take advantage of your break time and that you will agree to it. It is a habit which is easily started and very difficult to break.
Something to remember is that if you do let yourself be taken advantage of, you will also be putting the next carer in a situation where she will need to put her foot down and refuse to work during her break. She will then be seen in a bad light because you worked your breaks and she is not prepared to do this.
The bottom line
You are entitled to your 14 hours a week break. It can be taken in any way that you and your client agree.
Once you have agreed a break time per day or week, make sure that you stick to it, unless there is a true emergency and you need to stay.
Do not be tempted to give up your break simply because your client would like you there with them.
Remember, if the carer before you has given up her break time, you may be in the unpleasant situation of having to put your foot down, make yourself unpopular with your client, and risk them refusing to have you back again.
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