Toileting/Incontinence Care: I expected my father to be toileted on a regular basis and that his skin would be thoroughly cleaned when his diaper was changed.

 

Bathing: I expected my father to be bathed regularly.

 

Oral Care: I expected that my father’s teeth would be cleaned and flossed at least twice a day.

 

Hydration: I expected that my father would be served water and encouraged to hydrate throughout the day.

 

Feeding: I expected that the instructions given by my father’s dietitian would be followed and that feedings would be slow to respect his health conditions requiring slower eating and hydrating. I expected normal hygiene practises would be the norm with his face and hands being washed before and after each meal.

 

Grooming: I expected that my father would be shaved each morning.

 

Chair positioning: I expected my father would be seated in his chair properly and repositioned as necessary to keep him comfortable for long periods of time. I also expected that my father would be in a safe position for eating.

 

Hearing Aids: I expected that my father’s hearing aids would be positioned carefully and properly in his ears and that they would be put away when he sleeps/naps and returned to his ears when he’s awake.

 

Clothing Change: I expected that my father would be dressed in fresh clothes for the day and clean PJ's for the night.

 

Bed: I expected my father to always have a clean bed to sleep in.

 

I was hopeful for:

Entertainment: We have 800 or so family photos that can be played on his TV, his favourite TV shows saved, 100 favourite songs on iPod. Is it too much to ask of the care aides to turn "on" these joyful memories and music? Their restorative effect could vastly improve his days of sitting in his chair for long hours by enriching his quality of life and mental well-being.  

 

RETURN to blog: Is This Adequate Basic Care.

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