Tag: care plan

‘This is Me’ – The No.1 Document That Impacts Dementia Care

Brett0 comment

 

As carers and nurses are forever changing shifts they may not get the time to know the patient or resident, or understand their behaviours or triggers. By having a document like the one attached ready to go it gives your family member, relative or friend with dementia every chance of receiving the care they would prefer.

This is an actual document I completed last week and I have written my answers as if I was Dad. This ensures that the information is personalized and will connect with the carers or nurses. The best way to influence the care when you are not there is to have a document like this at the front of the file. I felt it was appropriate in this instance to post my actual document to illustrate the language and tone used to achieve a better result.

This document will reduce the chance of the carer accidently triggering bad behaviour, and will also assist them to de-escalate a situation also. Everyone wins when the background of the person is well known. It also ensures they will be treated with dignity and respect. I realised that it is not just the questions that are important in the attached document it is the way that you answer them. I imagined I was Bob and answered each question how he would possibly like to. I wanted to train the carers and nurses at the same time and allow them to bond with Dad as quickly as possible.

*Double click the following link to download my recent ‘My Life Story’ Form (you may need to click on it several times in a new window) :

This is My Story -DD Version

The Care Plan – The Carer’s Bible

Brett0 comment

 

I have decided to make a difference to the way carers look after people with dementia by suggesting to make some additions to the care plan. (This is the background information on the person with dementia eg likes, dislikes, hobbies, medical conditions etc….). In my opinion it is the most important document every carer should read and remember.

I have realised that in a single week Dad may be exposed to up to 30 different carers or nurses of different cultural backgrounds, skills, knowledge and expertise. What are the chances of one of them not knowing how to handle dementia or accidentally trigger some undesirable behaviour from a resident? I would say EXTREMELY HIGH.

Agency staff are often used to fill gaps in the roster and these people have to walk into an aged care facility, with no knowledge of the facility or the residents and just start caring.

As aggressive behaviour is the most concerning of behaviours in a nursing home, I believe it can be short-circuited in a simple manner. Simply add two new sections to the care plan.

1. Flashpoints

This is simply a list of events during a day that may cause a resident to become agitated. Eg using a cold flannel in shower, getting arm stuck when putting on a dressing gown, or giving medication on a spoon etc. if the carer knows when to be alert the caring experience can be a lot smoother.

2. Signs of Agitation

This is a list of triggers or signs/clues that indicate a resident is becoming agitated. Eg pulling on bed sheets, bad language, eye rolling, rigid hands etc….these clues will allow a carer to predict when things are escalating.