[SeekerOfLife]

I don't smoke. I recently started work in home health. My very first client's wife smokes.
I arrived, and asked for the care plan, and began to review it. The client's wife was amazed. She said the other home health aides pretty much just checked off the boxes on the care plan, and did as little as possible.
Well, I am diligent and conscientious. I was there to assist a disabled person, and will do my best to help.
About an hour later the client's wife calls the agency I work for and begins to excitedly praise me (I heard every bit of it).
Every time I go back, they both are so greatful for me doing a good job.

Right now, this is my only permanent client. I also do fill-ins.

Money is real tight right now.

My lungs feel awful. Actually, i am having other problems due to her smoking. She will sometimes go outside because she knows it bothers me.
I do not know how much more I can take. I am going to try on Monday to get a non-smoking client, but there may not be one available.
This is causing me much anxiety.
This couple praises me every time I go (Yes, I appreciate it). But, my body is suffering.
The wife fears I will go away. They are very nice. She (almost) begs me to continue coming.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? I would like to leave gracefully, when I can get a different client.
I feel like I will be letting these people down.
Is there something I am not considering, seeing, or understanding?
Help!

If you really want to continue to work with this client, I might suggest getting a health mask, something like this:



Face Mask

It may seem a little drastic, but really you can get an allergen face mask at a lot of places. And that's what you are dealing with, basically. It could be awkward, but you can call the client ahead of time and even discuss it with them: you really want to continue to work with them, you are having difficulty with the smoke, but you think this might be a good solution and that way you are able to continue helping them. Making light of it might help too.

Also, if you are able to make their appointments at a time that you would be able to change your clothes or even take a shower afterward it would help.

I would at least give that a shot, if you want to continue working with them. It could possibly make a difference [you can also get them in colors and patterns so it's not so sterile looking]

[H3rmit]

I would negotiate to get the place aired out before I go, with an understanding of no smoking while you're there.

Also, bring your own air purifier to use beside you if you can. It's even possible to get a small battery-operated one you can wear around your neck. The plug-in one I got for $70 makes a big difference in clearing our residual smoke/perfume that blows in our windows from other people's balconies. I have the same reaction to smoke you do, it seems.

I think an allergen face mask will be useless for smoke. It's only for larger particles. Perhaps some other sort of mask? I wasn't able to find one that works for that, but maybe there's something available nowadays.

[Travelinglady]

I would think you could tell the client that you can't handle the smoke and see what adjustments she would be willing to make---like smoking outside all the time. And, yes, you could get the other things that were mentioned, but it would be a shame to have to make so many adjustments yourself.

[Nicks_Nose]

I would definitely look into your rights to request a non-smoking environment. and it should be discussed with the clients before they request services from the employer you work for because it is a risk to your personal health. While the client is the one seeking care services, the company is responsible for placing their employees in a safe environment that will not risk their own health.

[NWgirl2013]

This is a tough one because it is someone's home. Asking them to accommodate your intolerance for smoke is hard because, as I see it, it would require more than just not smoking while you are there.
I have an extreme sensitivity to this so I know, for myself, I would need it Very clean, everything wiped down, no drapes or other fabric that would hold the stale smell.
I like the idea of letting the client know you have this sensitivity. If they value your care as much as you know they do, perhaps the wife will be willing to do whatever it takes to keep you coming.
Your employer may assume this is a risk you are willing to take & if you are not, may pull you from that assignment as it is not a good fit for you as a caregiver.

I would not be able to tolerate the smoke smell myself, but if a job were in the balance I would try very hard to find a solution with the client. I hope you can find a happy medium that everyone can live with so you can keep this job.