Paphos Life

I think under the circumstances, when both of you need help, it is imperative that you have someone who understands you & can keep to a routine. If you’re on medication it has to be taken regularly, probably with food. You also need the correct nutrients in your diet. As you get older you will be relying on her even more so it needs to be sorted one way or the other. Sorry no one has yet come up with the answer to your original post but wish you good luck.

I just worry if she is becoming aggressive, then this needs to be stopped right now, not tomorrow.

I think the agency who allocated her to you is your first port of call to explain your situation and your needs.
Maybe there's been a misunderstanding on both sides here and you can each go through your requirements to see if the lady is suited to the position.
I was under the impression they should be able to communicate and that specific duties related to an individuals needs are discussed before the allocation.
It would be sad to have to turn her away but the agency needs to know if there is a problem and hopefully can be resolved so your lady understands fully the situation in your household.
Either side getting frustrated or angry with each other isn't going to fix the situation.

I don't think anyone has said the domestic worker is being aggressive, just bossy. Sometimes, when working with older people, bossy is appropriate.

Nevertheless, assuming someone is going to come to Cyprus to work and is able to speak English to an acceptable standard is just plain unrealistic. The language here is Greek, not English, so she would have been expecting to be with a Greek speaking family anyway. The fact that she has come all the way here to work implies she isn't flush with cash, so we can assume she couldn't afford language classes, whatever the language.

As she came via an agent, she will have to pay the agent a fee for finding her a job. This will take most of the first year's income. Ponder on this when calling for her dismissal which would be likely to result in her being sent back up to her eyes in debt. As I said in my previous post, take command and give the poor woman a chance.

On a side point, my wife came to Cyprus to work, having never even heard a word of Greek. She was placed with an old woman who only spoke Greek, and within a year my wife was fluent. She learnt to cook Cypriot food from the old woman. She also bossed the old woman around, i.e. made her get out of bed and walk every day, made her take her meds, made her keep herself clean etc etc. The family were delighted, and were very upset when she left.
It would be interesting to hear the young woman's side of the story, but unfortunately we wont.

Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions and help. Some of the responses have been quite interesting, where they have been positive.

Did some grocery shopping with her today. It came to about 60% more than it would have done if I had done it all myself. However, I admit that some of the extra was justified over and above an extra mouth to feed. I think it will be able to come to a good compromise solution in a couple of weeks, after she has more private accommodation. I think it is a help to be able to print out a message in Nepalese; I will be trying this seriously over the weekend.

Ta much, everyone,

Good luck Brian. It must be flipping scary dealing with, all you have to deal with, along with the complications of your new 'helper!'

She is probably nervous and scared sh*tless of her new surroundings, boss, worries about home etc etc.

Give it your 'best shot' for a couple of weeks . . . . .And you can do no more.

I trully believe, albeit tricky, communication is the key here. X

Maggie

Thanks, Maggie. It is I who am nervous and scared sh*tless