So mom has been on the receiving end of aides from hospice daily for about a month now, for which I am extremely grateful....I am trying to be an unobtrusive observer to see if the nurses visit on short notice I might add, last week had any impact on the bath procedures of the aids who I don't think even when the nurse was present was done as well as it could have been. It is obvious that mom wants her breasts and her private parts covered. I realize I have mouth and I can use it...and will...but was hoping for a chance to discuss it with one of the two alternating nurses who was due to be here on Weds. She never showed...In any case here is a new scenario for your opinion....The other morning I had a fall. My bare foot managed to slip on a short set of carpeted steps and it threw me off course so that I slid down the remainder doing quite a number on my back, right side, at the waist. The pain seems to be easing up, oddly no bruising, but I was stupid and didn't put ice packs on till the day after. Day of, aides were due and I left them a note on the door: That for whatever my help was worth, they were going to have to manage without me as I had hurt myself and needed to rest; "Please leave any soiled laundry/linens on the floor in front of the washer." Polite, simple, direct I thought. Only to get in there today and find AGAIN the pile on a cushion for my pup's use as she likes to keep me company. It's basically a nylon net bag with zipper one can put old clothes or linens in to recycle. So gowns potentially wet with urine (not sure) and wet washcloths etc have made the innerds of our cushion damp if not worse. I NOW have a note on the cushion saying DO NOT PUT ANYTHING ON THIS CUSHION. This is in addition to the other little things like placing a drippy basin on a wooden desk top, not wiping feet off when coming in from wet ground (is this not just common sense/courtesy?) and the missing pillowcase. Am I being overreactive/hypersensitive? I just didn't anticipate the need to supervise who I expected to be experienced professionals. The weekend person even mentioned maybe mom does better with just one person...Of course there are other hospice programs to choose from in our area as well.
The having one person is not going to work. One person cannot work 7 days a week. You could ask for the same one during the week but u may not be able to get one on the weekdend.
You mom should be covered when they are bathing her, changing her, or even moving her in bed or to another spot.
DIGNITY. RESPECT. COURTEOUS . These are the ways a CNA should treat your mom. If this is not happening you have every right to contact the case manager and inform them what is happening and ask that the CNA treat your mom as they should.
As to your request that soiled items be placed in a particular location should also be brought to the attention of the manager.
Yes the CNA is busy but this should not change the way they treat patients.
And as you point out there are other Hospice and you should remind the case manager of that fact and just for your own curiosity ask how quickly a transfer could be done if you feel it is necessary. Just to see what they say to that
You weren't happy with the aides a while back, and I would have thought that you would have found your voice by now. The aides are not mind readers, and as you have found out, being an "unobtrusive observer" just isn't cutting it.
My husband was completely bedridden and under hospice care for the last 22 months of his life. I was by his side EVERY time the aides came to bathe him, making sure they were doing things the way he liked it. And if they didn't, I let them know right there and then. I never waited to speak to the nurse, as the nurses are not in control of the aides.
You are making this much harder on yourself and your mom, by not speaking up when you're not pleased with something they do. You have to remember that they see a lot of patients in a days time, and I'm sure everyone wants things done differently, so they don't mind being reminded how mom wants things done.
You HAVE to be the voice now for your mom. Quit making excuses as to why you shouldn't have to, or why you don't want to speak up, and make sure things are being done the way you and mom want them.
Perhaps it would be less stressful for you to only have the aides come 2 or 3 days a week instead of everyday. I personally have never heard of hospice aides coming every day. They only came twice a week for my husband, and I was never given a choice.
So, put your big girl panties on and, start addressing the issues with the aides when they happen. Quit putting off what should have been handled a month ago. You can do it. They don't mind, I promise.
I'm sorry about the foot wiping. I can't explain this. It baffles me when clients are surprised that I change my shoes at the front door. Several have told me not to bother - my reply is to say in joke "ah, but you don't know where I've been!" - and one gentleman said, amused: "you know you're the only who does, don't you?" I agree with you: to me it is blindingly obvious that you do not stamp around people's houses, including their bedrooms and bathrooms, in grubby footwear.
Would you consider getting one of those oversized absorbent doormats that they advertise for putting an end to muddy pawprints?
A good place to put a wet wash basin is a frequent problem: is there a more suitable stand for it? I'm sorry to add yet another shopping suggestion, but a trolley or changing table (the sort for babies) would be ideal.
I'm sorry about your slip, hope the strains and bruises settle down quickly. Some of the anti-inflammatory gels are helpful, your local pharmacy can advise.
It’s a shame that your instructions weren’t followed. You have certainly had your hands full.
I suppose all you can do is speak to them about what happened and hopefully they will get it right next time. Or ask for a new aide to come out. I did that when I wasn’t pleased and they sent someone that I was satisfied with.
Best wishes to you and your family.