Dr. Ruth's Guide for the Alzheimer's Caregiver by Ruth K. Westheimer

Author:Ruth K. Westheimer [Westheimer, Dr. Ruth K. with Lehu, Pierre A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Linden Publishing

KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE

I’ve been telling you that it’s good if this caregiver becomes part of the family, and I do agree with that, but be careful about getting too close, too early. You may discover after a month that this person is just not right for the job. Maybe she starts to come late every other day. Or she spends too much time talking on her cell phone. If you’ve gotten too close too fast, you’re going to have a harder time either exerting control or getting rid of her. So, in the early stages of her employment, maintain your status of being the boss. If this person turns out to be someone worthy of being considered a “member of the family,” you can always make relationship changes later on. And that status will be more appreciated if it’s earned than if it’s granted too soon.

In your role as employer, be specific when it comes to instructions. You should definitely have a written list for emergencies—who to call and what to do—but it’s a good idea to write out any other instructions you might have, such as what foods can and cannot be served, when medications are to be given, and so forth. Also, you might want to leave daily written instructions as well, such as when to bathe the patient, though these may eventually be communicated orally once you have full confidence that this person listens to what you tell them. Leave any such lists where they’re easily accessible, not stuffed in a drawer, but out in the open.

There are several advantages to giving the person such a list. First, it will permit you to make sure that you’ve given all the proper instructions. Also, it will help the person you hired not to forget those instructions. A written list is also a “witness” in case of disagreements. This person can’t say to you, “You never told me to do this or that” if there’s a written list to prove otherwise.

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