Last year I stopped by the Apex office to inquire about hiring some cgs. We were already hiring cgs from another agency, but they did not have enough staff to cover 24/7 care in our area. After a heart attack and stroke, my father requires 24/7 care and my elderly mother and myself cannot provide care round the clock.
There were two young (20 y.o.?) ladies in the office. As I was explaining our situation, they asked some questions about what we needed. I told them a cg would need to do laundry, vacuuming, and light meal prep for my father. They immediately said, "well, our cgs will only do that for the client. If your mother needs help, you'll have to hire two cgs."
I get that cgs are not maids or cooks, but light housework and meal prep is part of their job description with *every* agency. I wasn't asking them to care for my mother--who was able to get around by herself at the time. The staffers also told me that cgs would prepare meals only for my father, empty only his trash, etc.
We're not asking them to mow the lawn, wash windows, do laundry for a family of 4, etc. But to say that a cg will not empty the trash in the kitchen bec my mother contributes some of it--well, that's utterly ridiculous. No way are we hiring 2 cgs and paying $16-20/hr each just for someone to add an extra egg to an omelette or empty a kitchen trash can every other day.
In our experience with other agencies, most (and any GOOD cg) IS willing to throw a load of laundry in the dryer regardless of who it belongs to. There are only 2 ppl living at the house.
When I was explaining my father's medical condition, I mentioned that he dozes on and off throughout the day. One of the young ladies was completely incredulous. "you mean, ALL DAY? He takes naps ALL DAY?" Um, yeah. Clearly she had no experience with 80-something, bedridden people, which is pathetic in her line of work. The other staffer did speak up and mentioned that yes, her grandmother did that. But young lady #1 was still in disbelief. How disconnected can you be from your client base?!
After 10 min or so of discussion, it was obvious that Apex did not want us as a client. I was dismissed using the excuse that Apex doesn't really have cgs in the Flagler Beach area. Funny, bec I told them when I first came in that we were looking for help in the FB area, and that wasn't a problem then.
Apex doesn't have customer service, and basically no real interest in furnishing caregivers. We found another local agency and have had some of the same cgs for a year now. Don't waste your time with Apex. read more
