I totally agree with Steve. His idea of a check list and the way he
explained it to his PCA's is excellent and one I will copy. I also
agree with giving positive feedback. I can't tell you how many times
a day I say thank you to my PCA's.
When I do have to ask them to do something different I always explain
why. For instance, you mentioned not putting paper towels in the
toilet. If you give them a reason why then they are much more likely
to conform.
And probably most important, I always make friends of my PCA's. A
friend is a lot easier to talk to than in employee. Good luck and have fun.
Dan
At 09:30 AM 11/30/2010, Steve Oldaker said something that elicited my response:
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
