Help

margareth64

I am no longer able to do my job I work in a privte nursing home as a care assistant on night duty . Very heavy work putting people to bed and getting them up in morning also turning bedbound patients every two hours. Ive only been employed since last May!!! On ssp at moment and the home is paying me it every month which is awfull especially when its a 5 wek month!! Dont know if I should just hand notice in and throw myself to the lions, also known as DHSS Or should I wait till they sack me?? Ive got OA in my spine, hips and knees also got IBS and and im on an anti depressant. Also have bursitis in both hips.

woodbon

Hello, I used to be a care assisstant, so I know the physical side of the job is very hard.
One thing I would say to you is, don't give your notice in, who knows you may feel better later and if the home wants to get someone else, they will have to go through the procedure of dismissing you for ill health and you never know, they may offer you something lighter that you can do. If you give your notice in, you will find that DWP, will see it as you giving up work, not your employer sacking you and that can effect the money they give you. I had to be made ill health retired and go through the hoops.
I hope things turn out OK for you in the end. Maybe you'll look back and see that this gave you the chance to do something better! Lots of love Suexx

frogmorton

Hi margaret

if l were you l would not make this decision myself (it is so hard to get ESA these days) so l would start by asking GPs advice first.

You need to know if you will ever be fit enough and then maybe the home can give you 'other' work (Unlikley l know) which you can do. I am not sure you should jack in as you wont get any benefits if you do that they may have to sack you. Have you thought about ringing ACAS for advice?? Or CAB???

So so sad for you that you can't do the job you love so much :sad:

Love

Toni xx

dreamdaisy

I think frog, as ever, is on the right path. You cannot really make such a bold decision without finding out more about its consequences. Your job is physically heavy and your health condition is, like all the arthritises, a deteriorating condition, so life will only become harder and harder: the trouble is no-one can predict the rate of decline, or the day-to-day effects of the OA. I think contacting the CAB would be a smart move, perhaps the helpline here could give you some information too regarding benefits etc. I wish you well. DD

caterina57

I certainly understand your plight I have neck and lowerback spondylosis, oa in hands and wrist with other bits (hips and knees) creeping in. Before christmas I worked in care until my back gave in - I was off sick for 10 weeks as my GP was determined that I was not to go back to the heavy work I was doing - Fortunately my employers valued my experience and offered me a part time role, office based, at one point I did think I was going to be sacked on the grounds of capability.
I wouldn't put your notice in - get some advice from your GP and ask to see an occupational health advisor. I believe it will be better financially if you are finished on ill health rather than give up your job voluntarily.
Wishing you luck
Cath

hileena111

I think it has all been said.....I do sympathise.....I used to nurse.....patients with learning difficulties some were doubly incontinent others were better but there was a lot of lifting etc It is heavy work.
Like most people say...hang on in there and see if you get the offer of lighter work

Love
Hileena