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LadyA34 Asked November 2021

Caregivers. Responsible or not?

Are caregivers required to check on residents if they're working the night shift? Every other place I work the caregivers check on people about every couple hours and walk up the hallways every 20 minutes just listening but actually opening the rooms and looking at people physically every couple hours to make sure they're OK. The place I'm at now that's what I do, I walk up the hallways every 20 minutes foot I'm hungry minute put up on every hour and a 1/2 to 2 hours I actually opened the door and check on everyone to make sure they're OK, wearing their oxygen, ETC. I'm the only one that does that that I've noticed. For example, the current giver I'm currently working with now who's responsible for the other side of the building is on her laptop computer watching television all night. I thought we were legally required to check up on people when they're sleeping during the night. Am I wrong?
Is also, because I'm a temporary employee and don't actually work here permanently, I've been told that I can't have a key to the rooms. Some people lock their doors at night. When I've asked for a key to check on people I've been told no. So, there are people I can't check on and that are ignored for 8 hours because their door is locked.

PeggySue2020 Nov 2021
I worked for an ANIMAL shelter, and it was required that any ANIMAL with illness, conditions or distress be checked every two hours by staff or volunteers. The HEALTHY ones got checked on at least three times a day.

My God, we are talking dogs and cats here. Why are we allowing such low standards for our elderly?

Grandma1954 Nov 2021
Don’t know what happened to the response I posted to this yesterday, maybe it went to a computer black hole when I had problems posting…
Anyway,
What were you told your cities were when you were hired? It does not matter what others are doing but if you were told to check or just walk the halls to listen for anything out of the ordinary then that is what you do.
I cannot imagine sitting and doing nothing for 4, 6, 8 hours.
I would suggest if you have any questions about your duties ask your supervisor what they expect of you.

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JoAnn29 Nov 2021
I am assuming you work in an AL. I know night shift does a room check because my Aunt complained about it. She had an apartment so the aide had to walk into the bedroom from the living room. Scared Aunt to death. IMO if the resident has no Dementia or physical problem, you don't need to check on them. They r with it enough to push the alarm if needing help. If they lock their door, they want no one to enter.

This question should be asked of the RN in charge. Not saying anything about the aide who is not checking. Just ask if it is one of ur responsibilities since it has been at other facilities you've worked.

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