Carers with poor English - external agencies
I have just telephoned my mother who has a Carer visit every Friday to take her out. In her area the service is not provided by Social Services, but is contracted out to an external agency. I have spoken to her Carers before and everything was fine.
Today the lady on the other end of the phone seemed to barely understand what I was saying. I didn't ask anything too demanding; had Mum gone out today as she likes walks and what's the weather like there today? She asked me to repeat the question and after a stunned silence she said, "No it's cold". I found out that she was Spanish. I have no problem with that, but you would expect Carers to have a reasonable standard of English. I am sure she is very caring but very much doubt if she is able to provide the same stimulation as someone who is fluent in the language.
Has anyone encountered this before
I have just telephoned my mother who has a Carer visit every Friday to take her out. In her area the service is not provided by Social Services, but is contracted out to an external agency. I have spoken to her Carers before and everything was fine.
Today the lady on the other end of the phone seemed to barely understand what I was saying. I didn't ask anything too demanding; had Mum gone out today as she likes walks and what's the weather like there today? She asked me to repeat the question and after a stunned silence she said, "No it's cold". I found out that she was Spanish. I have no problem with that, but you would expect Carers to have a reasonable standard of English. I am sure she is very caring but very much doubt if she is able to provide the same stimulation as someone who is fluent in the language.
Has anyone encountered this before
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