We had a new move-in a while ago, and this particular resident has advancing dementia, she's difficult to redirect and combative with a lot of the caregivers here. She's frequently coming out of her room underdressed, or undressed entirely, and knocks on other residents doors asking them to help her because the door (their door) is locked. She also tends to be awake a lot of the night. She's incredibly confused and getting to the point where she doesn't remember anything anyone tells her for more than a minute.
With all the other residents to care for we were already stretched thin, and she really isn't getting the level of care she needs. Sometimes it seems like we have to choose between keeping her safe or taking care of the rest of the residents on her floor, which isn't fair to anybody. We have all told the staff in the office many times that she does not belong here, she truly needs memory care, but thus far they've not done anything about it. My question is, would any aspect of this be considered a form of neglect? Does anyone have any advice, any experience with a situation like this? Is there any way to help find her a better facility?
Worried, if what you write is true and your Director has placed this woman in your care with what sounds like little regard for what she or the other residents need, you now need to make sure you are covered in case something happens on your shift. Getting together with the other caregivers on your shift and presenting a united front that this woman doesn’t belong on your floor will most likely cost you your job or at least label you as a troublemaker.
Start documenting what you see with dates, times and events; “On Tuesday, October 31st, at 10AM, Mrs. Jones was wandering around, agitated and without clothing, in the hallway. STNA Smith and I spent 15 minutes trying to get her dressed and calm her and try to get her back into her room. In the meantime, Mr. Roberts buzzed that he had to use the restroom. Mr. Roberts had to wait until we got Mrs. Jones settled.”
It would be great if you could get STNA and your charge nurse to sign off in this, but don’t pressure them. Then, if Mr. Roberts’ or Mrs. Jones’ family lodges a complaint about their care at a Care Meeting, you can pull out your notes.
This sort of disregard of patient’s needs gives a bad name to facilities everywhere.
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Secondly, If family is available staff to coordinate a family meeting to discuss care options.
Thirdly, staff to refer family to a care manager to help with coordinating appropriate care.( a private care giver, new activities for level of care, etc.).
Lastly, if all else fails staff will need to assist and prepare for transition to memory care facility.
Good Luck and keep us posted!!
This is is a matter of safety for your resident and the other people in the floor and also the dignity of the lady you write about. There are almost always visitors in the halls, and to see this lady wandering around naked or half dressed is embarrassing to everyone even if she, herself is not aware.
My mother was also combative—to the extreme when she had a UTI. She would fight with anyone who came near her and make noises like a caged feral cat.
Speak with the Charge Nurse on during your next shift. Have it documented that you did speak with her. And thanks for caring. Your facility is very lucky to have you
If you don’t see any changes, bring it up to your union rep if you have one.