The man

 

My daughter has started a new job as I mentioned before as a support worker. It has brought with it mixed emotions. On one hand having dropped out of school and having no desire to work it is a great joy to see her enjoying her new job and enjoying the pay that comes with it. She is a creature of habit who did not take well to be asked to come off house visits and instead do shifts at a care home. Once in though she really enjoys that too. It should be all good. But there is a part of me that has been filled with concern. When she told me some of the things she deals with it set off alarm bells. She mentioned one woman who is constantly scared and needing reassurance. Another who screams all the time. Hard enough for most folk to deal with but unimaginable really for a 17 year old with no training. It concerns me.

What tipped it for me though was today telling me that a new patient had arrived, a man. She was asked to take him to his room alone. I should say she works nights now. She did this but in a room alone the man got threatening. He told her to get on the bed which she refused. She feared he was going to punch her. Thankfully she managed to leave.

It would alarm any parent. My initial reaction was to call her employers but then I fear I may be overstepping the mark- it's not my place. That is hard. I had to mull that over. I know I would not get any sleep if I said nothing. If I said something then she would be annoyed. So in the end I just insisted that she is not left alone again with anyone and if anyone tried to force her to do so then I would intervene. I would imagine tbst should not be happening anyway and fear as a young girl she may not get the guidance she needs.

But aside from that one incident she loves her work. And I also have to say generally the people gave been very good with her. She is happy and so if I can keep her safe I think things will work out there.