Consistency In Caregiving Staff Ideal but We Must Manage Expectations
Dear Carol: My dad lives in a memory care facility, and overall, I’d give them good ratings. We’re blessed to find such a great place. Considering their challenges, the staff is attentive, and most take their training seriously. It’s wonderful to see that several have a special gift that enables them to closely bond with people living with dementia. One aide is so compatible with my dad that I’d trust him with her anywhere, anytime. Others are great matches for various residents if not for my dad, but to be honest, most of them are much better at dementia care than I am. My question: While I recognize everyone needs time off, is there a reason why the most compatible caregivers can’t have Dad every time they’re on duty? Sometimes I see them working, but they are on another floor or in a different wing. What’s the thought process behind this? Thanks! ~PD
Dear PD: You sound like an experienced family caregiver who’s learned to have reasonable expectations of dementia care. Still, you wonder. Caregiver consistency is important, particularly with dementia care. Kudos to you for being a great advocate! Like you, I used to get frustrated when several of my family members were living in a very good care facility. My dad, who lived with dementia, was especially vulnerable on…
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