I manage a group home with one of the toughest patients I’ve ever worked with. He’s mean and terrorizes staff and his housemate basically everyday. I would say roughly 90% of the company refuses to work with this individual.
By a miracle, I have finally managed to get a dedicated and responsible staff. I would do literal back hand springs to make them happy. They are great people and even better caregivers. Need a day off? No guilt from me! Can’t handle our difficult resident alone? I’ll be there. Need me at 4am? I’m guaranteed to answer the call. Dude beats us up constantly and the least I can do is be there for them.
Regardless, I’m left up almost every night worried about how I’m doing. I’ve expressed safety concern after safety concern to upper management (my bosses). Staff have gotten really hurt here. I have been literally bitten and then upper management has refused to relieve me to be seen after. I have expressed time and time again how we are failing the other resident who can’t even leave his bedroom without fear. Crickets. I’ve expressed how my staff are good people and are developing anxiety from always being on edge. Crickets. Expressed how this facility is for independent living and the high needs client is anything but.
I’m so sick of this, “as long as the money for placement is coming in” attitude. I put my soul into this job for my residents and for my staff yet upper management doesn’t give a shit if one of their patients or staff are seriously injured by an inappropriate placement.
Ugh.