We are a local family who recently moved back to Maui. My family consists of my (almost) 94 year…read moreold father, my disabled husband, my special needs 13 year old child, and myself. Upon moving back to Maui I immediately contacted Caring Hands Maui, who agreed to provide services for my dad at 20 hours per week, and for the past 2 months they have been. The services were going great and we were really happy with the agency but very recently things took a drastic turn.
My father is a very private man, who is very quiet but very sweet, however, the transition moving back to Maui has been very hard on him at times, and lately personal things have been troubling him. This past week he had been missing his home on Oahu so he was refusing help from the owner of the company, Janet, who was caring for my dad (because of a shortage in company caregivers.) For whatever reason Janet got really annoyed with my dad (did I mention HE'S 94!?), and indirectly told me that they no longer want to provide services. Now mind you...my father didn't say a darn thing to her except that he insisted on doing things by himself, and because of that she said she feels like she's not wanted here. THEN she started accusing me of expecting them to do my laundry and dishes for them when ALL ALONG I repeatedly told them that I don't expect them to do any chores in my home except for what was needed for my dad, but the caregivers continually asked me to give them things to do because they were bored, and they would proceed to wash my laundry daily without me asking. In fact, just yesterday morning Janet walked into my home and offered to wash 3 brand new sheet sets that I just bought. I told her no, that wasn't necessary, and she offered again, and I still said thanks, but not necessary. A couple of hours later she made accusations of me making them do my laundry and dishes. ???? Anyhow, she left after only half her shift. I kindly asked her if they could continue services for the next 2 days (today and tomorrow) because my husband, with a chronic pain disease, had crucial doctor appointments that I needed to take him to on both days and she rudely responded she'd get back with me in the evening. Well...I never heard back from her so I text her this morning and the response that I got back from them was that their other caregiver, (who was scheduled to come here as usual) was in "training" today. They totally left me high and dry knowing that I am juggling my schedule by caring for my dad, taking my husband to various doctor appointments, and caring for my mentally disabled child. Such a disappointment. I learned that although Janet was very kind at times, she also has bad ethical business practices, and the fact that she would do that to us, without any given notice or even talking to us about her concerns prior to "up and leaving" us without any help has left me questioning how she does this for a living? I'm sorry, but not all elderly people are little sweet women who like to go the hair salon to get their hair done. Some just like to be left alone. Today I managed to take my disabled husband to his doctor appointment, while bringing my 94 year old dad and special needs son along with us. It was a struggle and a challenge but we managed to get through it. Thank you Lord! We will try again tomorrow, as my husband has one more very critical doctor appointment to attend. Shame on Caring Hands Maui.
As a woman of Christian faith I have forgiven them, but I feel I would be doing a disservice to other families if I didn't share my experience so that they can make the best educated choice in Home Health Care for their loved ones. Mahalo for taking the time to read.
