Yes. I didn’t think it would have such an impact. The political context of the presidential election may amplify this effect.
Can you describe your daily life within the Orpea group in the period 2008-2014?
The situation has evolved over time. At first, we didn’t have payroll management software. When…
Yes. I didn’t think it would have such an impact. The political context of the presidential election may amplify this effect.
Can you describe your daily life within the Orpea group in the period 2008-2014?
The situation has evolved over time. At first, we didn’t have payroll management software. When it arrived after 2010, the situation changed. We could no longer enter into an employment contract without first obtaining double validation from the division director and the regional director. Compensating for inherently unpredictable situations (sick leave, absences for sick children, etc.) had become difficult. Our reasoned requests were most of the time refused. Result, we sometimes found ourselves at the limit of legality by extending contracts, overtime.
Were you regularly understaffed?
In tense flow in any case. Even if the establishment that I managed was better off than others in care and dependency endowments.
It happened to me to buy diapers with my personal funds to last the end of the month
In tight flow, does this mean that staff spent less time with the elderly?
Mandatory. We had to constantly reorganize the work of the teams, prioritize sectors and residents. We took care first of all of the care and of the most dependent people. For the toilet, it was the same. We did not give the shower every day to everyone. Added to this was the difficulty of finding qualified staff: nurses, carers. For expenses, you had to follow the “purchase bible”.
That is to say ?
We couldn’t buy anything outside of certain supplier catalogs. Each establishment had a rationed monthly budget. For example, if you had a line of 2,300 euros for protections (diapers), this sum was blocked. You couldn’t order for 2,301 euros. The end of the month could be complicated. Especially when it was necessary to face a winter wave of gastroenteritis.
How were you doing?
We were trying to help each other out between teams. We called on other establishments in the Orpea group or outside it.
Has this rationing led to shortages?
It happened to me to buy diapers with my personal funds to last the end of the month. Each director dealt with deficiencies in his own way. I don’t have a lesson to give but there were a few of us who did that.
How was your departure decided?
I found out about it a year ago. It was conditional on the arrival of a new person in regional management. Each regional director, upon taking office, had to “knock off” heads to assert his authority. It was the rule. As I didn’t fit into the mould, I found myself in the crosshairs. This management by fear leaves traces. Personally, it cost me my marriage and sessions with a psychotherapist. Former colleagues, who are still on antidepressants, have trouble rebuilding themselves.