Dealing with potential problems

You may never face any of these issues, but it’s best to think about what you would do before they occur. There are no “right” answers. But consider how you would respond if you had to deal with these concerns. Contact your local Lifespan Respite coordinator for suggestions in how to respond to complicated situations.

What would you do if:

• you see or suspect that a provider is not caring properly for your family member?
   
  
• a provider seems to be angry or frustrated when you return home?
   
  
• a provider is having trouble engaging your child in activities?
   
  
• the provider doesn’t tell you about something important that happened during the respite time?
   
  
• a provider is being manipulated by the person being cared for?
   
  
• a provider starts telling you how to handle your family member?
   
  
• a provider has different values or cultural background than you and you feel that the differences are affecting your respite care?
   
  
• a provider smokes? Swears? Is not up to your standards of cleanliness?
   
  
• a provider is clearly not competent to care for your family member?
   
  
• the provider lets your family member do something you don’t like, or that is otherwise not allowed?