The longer you stay working as a live-in carer, the more likely you will be asked to go to a placement where there are two carers.
While most carers will happily go to a double carer placement, there are some who adamantly refuse to go based on past experiences.
There are often very good reasons why a carer may refuse to work with another carer, and they are also well justified. Sometimes living and working with another person 24/7 can be fraught with problems.
Can this ever work well?
The answer is emphatically ‘yes, it can.’ There are some ground rules you and the second carer should talk about and doing this sooner rather than later is a good idea.
Know what you are assigned to do
Before you arrive at any placement you will know what you are expected to do. This will be the same in a double carer booking. There may be two clients and each carer is designated to take care of one of them. There may be night work which is expected to be shared.
It is important that you know your role and what to do before you arrive. Additionally, finding out your position beforehand will give you the chance to ask questions and be prepared.
Be honest with each other
If you hate ironing but don’t mind doing the dishes, then there is an opportunity for compromise on both parts. You may not be a morning person and she may prefer to be up early. You could compromise by her doing breakfast and you preparing lunch.
Be honest about things you like, will do under duress, and what you absolutely do not like. By talking to each other you can learn what makes each other annoyed or pleased and work out arrangements to suit both of you.
Don’t compete
There is absolutely no point and benefit from competing to fold fitted sheets better than the other carer. You may well be able to do things better but remember than no-one enjoys being told they are not good enough.
Caring, and live-in carer in particular, can leave tensions running high. Small jibes and insults will simply spark a flame.
Give a little
If the other carer absolutely loathes cooking, then you may take over the role while she takes on another task.
Double carer placements are like any other relationship where one person does not enjoy doing a task and the other does not mind doing it instead. It is about compromising and understanding what will make the relationship better and what can cause a rift.
What if it just does not work?
This can and does happen. Not every carer gets on with every other carer, and not every double carer position is a success. Sometimes personalities just do not mix.
If you are in this situation you need to contact your agency or the family/next of kin right away. It is not a matter of telling tales. You should be honest with them.
Be aware that what normally happens in this case is that one carer is asked to leave – this could be you, so be sure before you make this decision.
Final thoughts
Some of the best and longest lasting friendships are formed when two carers work with each other with the client.
Live-in care work can be very lonely at times and often a double carer position will afford you the opportunity to get to know another person. Sometimes we all need a little conversation!
If you keep an open mind and are prepared to give each other the space you need, you will find that you enjoy a happy relationship, while giving your client the best attention you can.
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