|
FELLOW CAREGIVERS
By D. Poon
INS hosted a May continuing education seminar and by all accounts it was a huge success! If you weren't able to attend, here's what you missed.
Becky Homminga, RN, spoke on "Coping with Difficult Behaviors" and showed a video titled "Caring for the Alzheimer's Patient." The need to recognize the two types of memory loss was emphasized. About mid-way into the disease process, short-term memory loss prevents those afflicted with Alzheimer's from recalling what may have been said or explained only minutes before. Long term memory is less affected, explaining why childhood or other memories can often be recalled in detail. Caregivers should always try to orient clients to the moment at hand while understanding that frequent repetition in a relaxed manner is necessary.
Other topics covered included:
- H.I.P.A.A. - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Basically, H.I.PA.A equals privacy and confidentiality of medical information. All caregivers are bound by H.I.P.A.A. guidelines whether they are employed by an agency or not. Client care is everyone's job not everyone's business.
- Communication - Pro-active listening is the key. We can never presume to know what another person might be thinking. With that in mind, limit your communication to the facts - never your opinion. If a problem arises, make sure you deal with it in a professional manner. We are hired to be part of the solution, not a problem. Clients that present with difficult behavior need flexible or alternative communication strategies, such as distraction. Gentleness and patience will almost always allow you to reach your daily hygiene-related care plan goals.
- Hand washing. We all know to use proper hand washing before and after meals, when handling bio-hazards, and before and after touching our clients. Shift changes offer another opportunity. Besides assuring transmissible bacteria are not taken in or out of the care environment, both caregivers can give reports and discuss (privately) a client's care plan while performing this task. Remember, all hand washing must be done for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive seconds to be effective.
- Blood Pooling and Bruising. This happens easily to the elderly and others with compromised skin conditions. It can even occur spontaneously and is usually not a cause for concern, but should always be documented. A quick sketch showing location, size, and color as well as date and time it was noticed is sufficient. Any open wounds, such as skin tears, should be reported immediately to the agency supervisor.
- Fire Safety Evacuation - Snatch 'N Go. Exit drills and shelter in place were all covered. Preparing an individualized response action plan that is practiced periodically was stressed. Knowing the exact address and how to spell the street name can facilitate the arrival of 911 First Responders.
Long term care is the greatest need facing the elderly, disabled or chronically ill today. Technology now allows us to live longer and be more physically active and mentally engaged. However, assistance on many different levels is often indicated. From companionship to hospice, we caregivers can and do fill that void. I am proud to say our level of respect and commitment is no less than what we want for our loved ones and even ourselves some day.
|
For anyone, caregivers and lay persons alike, wanting the two year certification in CPR, classes covering CPR, First Aid, A.E.D. (Automated External Defibrillator), Fire Safety and Evacuation can call (832) 630-3894 to schedule individual or group classes. These classes are taught by a 17 year volunteer fire fighter with LVN and advanced EMT credentials along with a certified health care trainer. CPR certification only can also be scheduled through this number or with the American Red Cross or the Heart Association.
|
|
Editor's Note: We invite readers' comments or questions to Caregivers' Corner. Please submit them to our Contact Us page online or email to sdavis@innovativenursing.com.
|
