Hi Dave,
I have not always had to utilize them, but I have made and posted preferences, schedules and check lists for my caregivers. I explain to each of them this is as much or more for me as it is for them so I do not have to continually reiterate and rely upon my mental checklist for my routine needs and preferences. I further explain that while they may have good memories and believe they do everything as I have requested or instructed, they are not my only caregiver and others may not be as diligent or capable. I also review my preferences and needs with my caregivers periodically (every 3-6 months) depending on the caregiver, always emphasizing that the review is as much or more for me as it is for them, since I cannot expect them to read my mind or know when I am dissatisfied if we do not discuss it. I have been fairly lucky hiring and retaining good caregivers. I attribute much of my success to being clear about my wants and needs and demonstrating my appreciation for their assistance on a regular basis. Frequent thank yous and words of encouragement can go a long way, especially when someone is performing the same duties day after day. Steve - C4, 22 years From: Dave Krehbiel [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 7:47 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [QUAD-L] how do you handle ongoing caregiver training? I have been home a bit over two years, and right now we have a fairly stable group of caregivers who are pretty well-trained. Even so, we have ongoing issues with certain things. Some of these things are not medically necessary, they are personal preferences. For example, I would like your mind to caregivers: When you set down my glasses, set them down with the glass side up Never flush paper towels down the toilet Please not parked in front of the mailbox, it make the mailman mad Do not put pasta or eggshells or rice down the garbage disposal... only clear liquids My wife is tolerant of the invasion of her space and our home... to a point. I am searching for a method to explain the way we like things done in our home, without irritating caregivers and driving them away. After all, we are highly dependent on these people. And I would like to have a way to schedule certain activities, such as cleaning the bathroom, performing range of motion on various body parts, doing the electronic stimulation. How have you approached the issue of ongoing long-term caregiver training and management? Thanks, Dave Krehbiel C4/C5 three years
