Alzheimer's Management

Currently, I work on an Alzheimer's unit in Dover, New Hampshire. As a nursing assistant, I try to view things from a managers perspective during my shift in order to "put myself in their shoes". I find that most of the time, it's a difficult task, especially when it comes to dealing with family members and staff.

There is no current cure for Alzheimer's disease but, luckily there are facilities that take care of those who suffer with Alzheimer's. According to a medical management article I read, the goals of treatment are to "maintain quality of life, maximize function in daily activities, enhance cognition, mood, and behavior, foster a safe environment, and promote social engagement" (Alzheimer Management). The nursing staff, including nursing aids, are to focus the care they give off of these goals in order to ensure the best possible life for the residents in their facility. 

But, as a manager, how can you measure the care the residents are receiving? How can you ensure that your staff is protecting people who can no longer speak up for themselves due to their disease? I have found that in many cases, this task alone is one of the most challenging aspects of working in an assisted living facility that has a Alzheimer's unit. But, based off experience, I notice that the best way to ensure your residents safety, is to have trust in your employee's. 

In order to fully ensure your patients are receiving the best care while still protecting their rights and dignity, it is crucial that you hire people who mean well and who you are able to trust. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, and unfortunately when a resident gets admitted to a facility, they will decline until they eventually pass away.

 It is vital that the employee's who work at your facility are able to be trusted when a manager is not on duty, or even just when they are working their normal shift. Not only will it be beneficial to you as a manger but, it will also be important to the families who have residents in the facility. When they are able to put their trust in the care their family member is receiving, they are more happy with their overall experience with the facility and the staff as well. 

Comments

  1. Mark BonicaDecember 19, 2017 at 2:53 PM

    That will be excellent experience for your future career.

    ReplyDelete

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