Saturday, August 27, 2005

No One Should Have to Pee Themselves

Sorry for the graphic title, but I think if I....well okay let's back up a moment.

First, let me say that I think being a care aide, (or a Nurse's Aide, or a Resident Care Attendant, or whatever they may be called where you are) is an incredibly difficult job. I think generally, in Vancouver anyway, care is good, thanks to the many wonderful care aides. For the life of me, I don't understand how they get done what they have to in a shift, and have a shred of sanity left at the end of the day. To do it with compassion, gentleness, and caring is incredible.

Okay.

However, if I hear one more time, as I have already three times this week about different facilities, where a care aide has told an alert and continent resident who has called for some help because they can;t get to the washroom, that if they can't hold it they should "use the diaper that is why you are wearing it," I will either scream, throw up, or both.

There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to say that . It shows a complete lack of understanding of the concept of maintaining dignity , and a complete lack of empathy. It is abusive, almost, and certainly demonstrates the power differential which is often perceived by residents, and makes them feel frightened an vulnerable.

If you hear of someone saying that to your relative ( or if they say it to you) you should immediately lodge a complaint.

To anyone who says that, I would like to put them in an adult diaper (and even the word is n ot great, but I am not sure what to use that really describes it), and have them lie in bed until they have to use the washroom, and then use the diaper, and then stay there for a few hours.

I know they are designed to be superasbsorbent and keep people dry.

THAT IS NOT THE POINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People should not be wearing pads, or diapers unless they have to. Every effort should be made to see if they can maintain continency or get it back if they have lost if for some reason. Personally, I think we should try to figure out why someone is losing continence. Check for things like urinary tract infection or other problems which might be easily solvable.

Now the other side again. I have heard family members lose it when they come into a facility and see their relative wet or smelly. Check first. They may have just been changed, And staff is busy. If they toilet someone, who is unable to make their needs known., that person may soil or wet themselves five minutes after the aide has left the room. The staff has done their job, but they cannot be there every minute.