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Healthy You Archives |
Aging Well
You and the Nursing Home StaffBuild a team approach to caring for your loved one A tender visitRaymond Mohr of Emmaus comes to Lehigh Commons in Macungie every day to see his wife, Clara.It’s a big transition—but it’s also an ideal opportunity for team-building. “Now is the time to create a good relationship with the nursing home staff,” Rentler says. “You can help them understand how best to care for your loved one, and that works to everyone’s advantage.” Laying the groundworkHave a conference with the nursing home staff soon after your relative is admitted, says Rentler’s colleague, clinical nurse practitioner Heidi Singer. Bring a copy of the patient’s medical insurance information, living will (defining her wishes for end-of-life care), and durable medical power of attorney (giving another person the power to make medical decisions if she can’t).At the conference, your goal is to gain a clear understanding of your relative’s diagnosis and treatment goals. “People often think the nursing home is the end of the line, but that’s not always true,” Singer says. While patients with progressive illnesses like Alzheimer’s need ongoing care, those recovering from a stroke, heart attack or surgery often can return home. Keeping in touchDuring your ongoing visits to the nursing home, make an effort to get to know the care team. Ask the recreation director if Mom participated in today’s activity. Ask the aide who helps with meals if she ate well. Observe a physical therapy session to see her progress.If she has specific likes or dislikes, tell the staff. Write out requests (“Please let Marie hold her rosary for a few minutes before she falls asleep.”) and post them in a visible place. Between visits, the day-shift charge nurse can provide telephone updates. “Choose a family spokes-person to make and receive calls,” says Cara Scheetz, elder life specialist at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “When nurses don’t have to talk with several siblings, they have more time for patient care.” Addressing concernsIf you’re concerned about some aspect of your loved one’s care, don’t be afraid to speak up as her advocate. Ask for a conference with the appropriate staff, and be specific without being accusatory. Caregivers should be willing to work with you to clear up misunderstandings and solve problems. “Nursing home staffs do the very best they can to care for their patients with respect and compassion,” Rentler says.And remember—don’t just speak up when things aren’t going well. “It’s important to show appreciation for your loved one’s caregivers when she herself can no longer do so,” Scheetz says. Want to Know More about elder care options offered in the Lehigh Valley ? Click above. The Nursing Home TeamMost nursing homes have these people on staff:
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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 January February 2006 Eating Healthy
Staying Fit
Caring for Mind and Body
Just for Women
Just for Men
Raising a Family
Heart of Healthy You
Protecting Your Health
Coping with Illness
Aging Well
Keeping Up to Date
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