I've received some email and comments describing behavior by personal care assistants that crosses the line from "bad behavior" to criminal behavior. I'd like to make a few comments.
1. It is never okay when a pca threatens you with physical injury and "rages" at you to intimidate you
2. It is never okay when a pca hits you, your pet, throws objects around or displays violent behavior
3. It is never okay for a pca to manhandle you - force feed you , handle you roughly, drop you deliberately or engage in other abusive behavior to "teach you a lesson".
4. It is never okay for a pca to steal money from you, run up long distance charges on your phone, use your cash to buy things for themselves without your permission or take your car or bank card
5. It is never okay for a pca to sexually abuse you, fondle or touch you inappropriately or force you into having sex with them or anyone else
When a pca crosses the line into abusive and criminal behaviors, calling the police is appropriate so that you are protected and your safety is assured. See a doctor to report any injuries and have them treated.
Sometimes agencies not only fail to take proper action, but according to many people, the person with a disability is "punished" by having no aide sent. All care is withdrawn which is neglect.
The appropriate response is that these aides be reported to authorities and properly charged. In the meantime, your services from the agency should continue uninterrupted. You are not the one who crossed the line. Reporting this behavior will help stop them from doing this to someone else.
Many states have disability ombudsman offices and Offices for Protection and Advocacy for the Disabled. There is also free counseling available for crime victims. If you are unsuccessful getting help on a state or local level, consider contacting NARPA, a national organization for protection and advocacy. Their link is above.
3 comments:
Yes! Well said, and good practical, specific steps to take.
Janet
I'd only add that it's never okay for ANY carer to do these things--what's wrong for a PCA is also wrong for an unpaid parent, spouse, or other adult relative. It's harder to report a relative and be taken seriously--and it's very hard to fire family. But it's not hopeless, either--there are people who want to stop such abuses, no matter who is perpetrating them.
Janet, Thanks so much for your comment of support to a reader over at my other post . She did reach out for help today!
Penny - you make a great point about how these behaviors apply to any carer. Thanks very much.
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