Community Chat

[september]

It might seem like I'm following Pitdakota .I'm not!  We just seem to be posting on many of the same threads tonight.

Hugs to Pitdakota and marp.   It's such a challenge when we have loved ones in long term care situations.  I visit my husband often but when he went to the ER last week, I was at a loss to answer many of the questions that arose. I'm not with him 24/7 anymore. 

I did the best I could, and feel that just by being there for him....things went okay. He was calm when we left and happy to go back to his residence in time for dinner.  

I go to a weekly caregiver support group, and have learned to accept that I'm doing what is best for him.  I'm sure you both did the same with your loved ones. 

[Marp]

@pitdakota,

No fears Pit, I don't really blame myself it is just frustration caused by lack of knowledge. As I so often say, the more I know the more I realize how little I know.

I am very aware of just how fortunate I was that most of the staff listened to me. Of course they found out the first few weeks after mom was admitted that I would not hesitate to start up the chain of command and jump directly to corporate if the second request did get the results I expected.

Please don't ever stop stressing to your students how important it is to listen to family. They will quickly learn who is just a complainer and who really knows the patient's/resident's needs.

My admiration for those that love working in memory care units has no limits. It has to be one of the most difficult positions in nursing. I would sometimes relate it to trying to figure out the needs of a toddler or pet.

Over the years mom was in the NH I learned that unless something is obvious status is often a guessing game. You know something is wrong but you're on your own figuring out if it is something that needs attention now or should just be monitored. So difficult but so helpful if family is involved and attentive.

[Marp]

@september, thank you for the hugs.  I know what you mean about not being with your DH 24/7 but your knowledge of him and frequent visits will still go a long way in getting him the best care possible.

I'm glad you have a local support group that is helping you but if you have any questions or need a shoulder or need to vent or just want to get something off your chest anonymously just shout out and I will willingly respond.

I will say that one area where I initially fell down was not taking care of myself.  Please don't over look taking care of you while concentrating on taking care of your DH and parents.

[september]

Thank you, Marp!  My support group leader is wonderful and asks each of us, at each meeting, what we're doing for ourselves.  

We had a new member today who has never given this any thought......I hope she continues with the group so we can help her