My husband is in a geripsych unit for the 2nd time this year, and I've had a lot of problems with the personal care there (the emphasis is certainly on medication adjustment). I am wondering if care at the average ALF or NH (dementia units) is any better. The main issue I've encountered is that the staff doesn't act on anything without my prodding. Issues have been: big blisters on feet from pacing on tile over concrete floors; rash on back probably due to their soap or laundry detergent; need for a stool softener; giving showers but not washing between toes; etc. None of these are earth-shattering, but could lead to more major problems if I hadn't noticed them, called them to the staff's attention, followed up constantly to see if they were treating the issues, etc.
Does this sound about average, or below average, based on others' experiences?
Marilyn, I've been meaning to email you and find out how you and your husband are doing. Sounds like he's still in the hospital, not the ALF-is that true? You know my story with DH in 2 psych hospitals - they truly focus on the meds/behaviors not the physical care. My husband came home with scabies (they diagnosed it as allergic reaction to meds) and no underpants because they threw them out because he could not wipe himself clean and no one helped him. Unfortunately in the 2 weeks he was in the ALF dementia unit they did nothing for him - I had to ensure he took a shower, they did get him dressed and had him shave (unlike the psych hospital). The ALF was marginally better but not much. In our case he was too functional and strong so the aides were afraid of him even though he never threatened them. Your ALF sounds as though they could handle him and care for him physically.
I placed my DH in December in a nursing home. The Alzheimer's ward is limited to 52 patients. We live in Florida on the Space coast. The NH is 20 minutes from my home. I can truly tell you MarilynMD that his care is excellent. Phil is so happy there, he has to be helped with everything. He still can walk, but they dress him,shave him,bathe him. DH can still feed himself but he is depended on the staff for everything else. I go at all different times of the day and have never been disappointed by anything I see there. If anything about Phil's medicines or diet are changed I receive a call informing me why the changes. He has always been clean, dressed in clean clothes and his room is spotless. I am so lucky to have been able to place him there because in this area there are only three homes that take Alzheimers patients and I didn't like the other two. In closing I will tell you when I go to bed at night I know he's in good hands and I don't worry about him. I just miss him!
marilyn, i havent had experience with geripsyche units but i think its like LFL says the focus is on medication adjustment and probably not on phyical/grooming issues. that said, your requests should be addressed and while hes there you may have to do continuing followup visits with the staff about personal issues as you are doing. blisters can be bad if unattended to. i beleive it was mary75 who had such bad issues with DH feet and blisters that got infected. esp if walking around with no shoes on bare floors disease could be a real threat. if they are in a NH or an ALF you would think that with the high costs they charge these would not be issues but as we see many here complain about personal standards that go ignored until they are called on them. others have had wonderful experiences with placement. like all businesses, i guess its a hit/miss if you find a good one that you are comfortable with. sometimes we have to take a hit on some not so important issues and concentrate on the good things i guess we get in exchange. its probably going to be far and few inbetween we see 100% complete satisfaction with most.
Marilyn, except for the trouble we had when there was a complete staff changes recently, I too have always been happy with the care Lynn has received. There will be something’s that need addressing in the beginning as everyone gets use to the transition. As I mentioned I had to go in to help with Lynn's showers for months!!! I did not mind helping in the least, and they were very grateful. It showed me that they did not force their patients, that they did care, and wanted him to adjust to being there with kindness and compassion.
I get a call about everything! Even though I go in daily, they don't wait for me to get there; they call me as soon as possible to let me know about everything. Even a very slight fever I get a call. He needs help with all aspects of his care. He needs a swing lift to get out of bed and into his special broda chair. He is what they call a "two person care" so that means it requires two aides to dress him, assist in getting up, etc etc.
His room is always very clean, never an odor like so many places seem to have. They have TONS of socialization for him, which to me is very important. He has been there for two and half years and this was the first time I ever had problems with his personal care. And once I expressed my concerns it was taken care of pronto! All in all, I honestly couldn't be happier with his care.
I have never even been to a Geri-psych unit, so I can't offer you any advice there. But I can assure you that where Lynn is at least, a blister would NOT go unnoticed.
My experience has been the same as Nikki's. I am pleased with his care. They call me and also have quarterly care planning meeting with me and the department heads. I can't go every day now, but do go at least once a week, at different times. I have made friends with his direct caregivers and try to tell them "how he used to be"...or to make a person out of him, and not just a patient. They spoil him. On nights he wakes up in the middle of the night, the night nurse lets him make rounds with her and follow her around.
awwwww Nora, I did the same thing. I made copies and made him several scrap books. I also posted the poem "Crabby Old Man" in his room. That got a few tears too......