eBook
Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
Related collections and offers
Overview
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781490780733 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Trafford Publishing |
| Publication date: | 08/21/2017 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 158 |
| File size: | 1 MB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Address A to Z
Maintaining a list of all your service providers, medical team, medical suppliers, etc., allows for an easier access when they need to be contacted. This allows you to build your resources that can be helpful today and in the future.
Include a business card holder that is available to purchase through your local office supply store. Ask each individual or business who assists you for their business card. By adding a note on the card — the date you met, location, and anything that will remind you of the purpose of the provider or addressee — it makes it easier to remember the individual or the company.
As you will notice, there are categories listed on the top of the address form in case you may want to categorize the various contacts by their specialty for an easy access.
You can always add A to Z dividers or regular blank dividers that you can obtain at your local office supply store to make your personal address resource section.
Always keep in mind this is your Personal Caregiver Handbook to assist you and the caregivers who assist you.
CHAPTER 2
Alerts and Concerns Log
It is important to list any medical, physical, or emotional areas of concern that require attention. It will assist the caregiver of a medical condition that needs to be monitored. Document when it occurs on the Medical Occurrence Log and the Chart Notes as well as to notify the primary caregiver and possibly, the physician.
This can be used when there is an emergency. Take a copy with you when you see a medical professional and give to the emergency team. This can help assist to better establish the cause of a medical situation quicker or to eliminate a possible procedure, especially in an emergency.
Be sure to keep the information up to date as each situation arises.
CHAPTER 3
Allergy List
It is important for you to keep this up to date and include all allergies, especially if there are any that are life-threatening. State what the medical condition is as well as any remedy instructions, medications to administer immediately, what to look for, and if an ambulance is needed. It is recommended to keep a list in the wallet for easy access.
• Foods
• Medication
• Herbal supplements
• Environmental, etc.
Food Allergy Card
Have a Food Allergy Card to show to the restaurant server who can show it to the manager and the cooks of any food allergies so they can help ensure your safety and for you to have a nice experience in the restaurant. We have them available upon request, or you can easily purchase a business card format from your local office supply store and print it in your language. I recommend using the back of the card for another commonly used language in your area, for example, one side in English and the other in Spanish. Then you can have it laminated at your local business office center, such as Kinkos, Staples, etc.
Ms. Lopez has found this to be a lifesaver as there have been many times when upon inquiry, the server would think they do not use an allergy product in their restaurant. Later, when the card is shown to the chef or the manager, they would find out that it is the product that was actually used in the food preparation. There should be careful consideration or directions for a type of menu item so that it is safe to eat as well as in the kitchen to ensure that there is no cross-contamination of the food preparation area with the kitchen tools used or the need to alter the recipe. When you are in a banquet setting, give your card to the hostess so they can have the banquet manager check for you. Do not be fooled that because it is an exclusive setting or high-quality facility, they always use top-end products, and a preservative is not used if this is your allergy. It is to save your life and to enjoy your time with your family and friends or just a time of solitude. Better safe than sorry or having to go to a hospital.
Example: You can state whatever you are comfortable with, but remember, this is to help keep you safe and possibly save your life depending on the allergic reaction. It is important to have your name included as either the manager or chef may want to meet you to discuss food options.
On the back, you could repeat this in Spanish. If you do not know how to spell a word, you can ask someone who speaks the language; or in your grocery store, you could look for food labels on items where they are sometimes in English and Spanish so you can have a reference. Remember, depending on the country, the food item could be spelled differently, so you may need to be alert for this.
CHAPTER 4
Caregiver Daily Checklist
It is extremely important to keep detailed documentation of all tasks needed for daily care. Many funding sources and social service programs qualify their services by the time and task needed for the individual's needs. Different tasks performed by a caregiver may appear simple and commonsense, but to a person being considered to assist with caregiving, it may not be a task normally done as each individual requires different considerations to maintain a continuity of health and care. This sample is meant to assist you in considering areas that you will want a caregiver to do. You may want a caregiver to use it daily; therefore, be sure to make copies so they can document that they have done each task as requested.
* Be sure to customize for the individual's needs.
* Also, keep an updated copy in the Personal Care Handbook and Caregiver Handbook.
Start by making a list:
Each time you need to do any task, no matter how simple, document it on an individual line, stating how often it is required and how long it takes. The actual time required to perform the various daily tasks will surprise you.
There will be times when an illness or surgery recovery will require more care; document these tasks on the Caregiver Daily Checklist since it can be a reoccurring situation. If there is a time when a task is not required, mark it as not needed.
There may be some items that a hired caregiver would not be authorized to do depending on the provider service you are using. Request the limitations in writing as you may want to look for a service that will best fit your needs.
Be sure to share this with any service or funding provider to ensure you are receiving the optimum services needed.
Caregiver Daily Checklist
* This is a sample. Be sure to customize for the individual's needs.
* Also, keep an updated copy in both the Personal Care Handbook and Caregiver Handbook.
Name ___________________________________ Date __________
It is important to offer assistance when applicable. Please check each area after you have completed the task.
________ TRANSPORT SERVICE to appointments if needed. Check the schedule for future appointments; some transport services require twenty-four to forty-eight hours prior notification.
• Be sure to make the necessary transportation arrangements for all appointments.
• If you use a transport service, they will need name, address, phone, and appointment time.
• See the Community Transport section for more instructions.
I. SHOWER - PERSONAL GROOMING SKILLS. Be sure to use gloves and ask what assistance is needed.
________ 1. Leaves alone if requested. Stay close and within earshot, however, in the event you are needed.
________ 2. Transferring to shower or tub?
• If using a shower chair, assist with legs and feet protection and placement.
• Placing feet on a stool in the shower helps with stability and prevents hot water burns.
________ 3. Turn on water and check water temperature.
• Legs and feet burns can occur from water being too hot.
________ 4. Assist to wash any areas difficult to reach as needed.
________ 5. Shower complete; check to ensure the water is turned off.
________ 6. Check frequently for decubitus sores.
________ a. After the shower, it is an easy time to do a quick visual body check for skin breakdowns, such as an open sore, redness, and skin discoloration on the back area, buttock, elbows, legs, feet, and toes.
________ b. Clean and dry between the toes. Mention if the toenails need trimming, or you notice a sore or any other condition that may need attention.
________ 7. Continue to ask if any assistance is needed.
________ 8. Leave alone to complete grooming skills if requested, staying close and within ear shot in the event you are needed.
________ 9. Caregiver needs to do a visual check, remind, and/or assist:
a. Skin check
b. Teeth cleaning
c. Ears cleaning
d. Application of deodorant
e. Application of cologne, perfume
f. Fingernails trimming, if applicable
g. Shaving
Very Important: Ensure that briefs and pants are pulled up correctly so that it minimizes any bulk pressure against the skin when sitting. This can be a cause for a decubitus and needs to be monitored for correct placement of undergarment and pants.
________ 10. Mention if you observe an odor. Locate source.
a. Urine: If there is a strong odor or discoloration, it could mean the possibility of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Contact the primary caregiver and/or the doctor on file.
b. Incontinence: The individual may need a change, shower, or bath.
c. Sore: Needs immediate attention and to notify the primary caregiver and/or the doctor.
d. Other
________ 11. Notify primary caregiver of any supplies needed.
II. PREPARATION FOR DAY. Use gloves as needed.
________ 1. Make bed: Check sheets and change if applicable. Put dirty sheets in the laundry room.
________ 2. Clean and straighten up bedroom. Vacuum and dust.
________ 3. Check the daily schedule of activities and pack the travel or backpack with appropriately medical supplies when leaving the home for any period.
________ 4. Assist with daily medications and what medications may need to be taken while on an outing.
• See: Personal Bag Organization
• If a prescription refill is needed, notify primary caregiver and/or individual.
• See Medication Daily Schedule and Chart.
________ 5. Prepare and assist with breakfast and lunch.
________ 6. Prepare and assist with dinner when needed. If leaving the food for later, cover and place in refrigerator.
________ 7. REMINDERS: Observe the individual and assist to prevent falls and regarding the following:
________ a. Monitor the intake of medications
________ b. Monitor the Daily Vitals Checklist and Chart.
________ c. Chart the fluid intake if needed.
________ d. Use the Chart Notes section, charting daily regarding the day's events, care, and any occurrence, such as a fall or any other situation, especially noting any problems or concerns, to include grocery or supplies that will be needed.
________ e. Periodic weight shifting when sitting for long periods to help prevent decubitus ulcers. The physician or therapists may recommend the frequency.
• Weight shifts every minutes when sitting for long periods.
________ f. Observe and assist with incontinence care if applicable. If you smell or notice soiled clothing, a change is needed.
________ g. Assist in the daily schedule for appointments and activities.
________ h. Prepare for appointments and activities that will require assistance.
________ i. If transportation is needed, contact a service and provide the information needed (see the Community Transport section for more instructions).
________ 8. CUSHION: Use a waterproof pad to prevent from being soiled if applicable.
________ a. If used with a seating device, wheelchair, etc., check the following:
1. Is the cushion or cover soiled or smelly?
2. Do not wash the cushion in a washing machine as it will deteriorate the foam material unless otherwise directed.
3. Wash only the removable cover.
4. Follow the Equipment Maintenance section to know what you need to do.
________ b. Depending on its type, a cushion may require specific care. The individual or the primary caregiver will direct you or review the Equipment Maintenance section for more information.
________ c. For back cushion, check if in proper placement if applicable.
________ d. Furniture cushion may need a waterproof pad.
________ 9. WHEELCHAIR. Check if a repair is needed. Contact the primary caregiver.
________ a. If the tire air pressure is low, assist with pumping tires or take to nearest bike shop.
________ b. Check if brakes and all parts are working correctly, that is, footrest, armrest, seat belts, etc.
________ c. Power chair batteries will need to be charged daily and checked periodically.
________ 10. HOUSEKEEPING: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, general living areas
________ a. In the bathroom, completely clean the shower, bathtub, toilet, sinks, and floor daily.
________ b. With laundry, wash, dry, fold, and put away all laundry. Follow the instructions provided regarding the type of soap to use and all laundry products as well as drying instructions.
• Be sure to notify the individual or primary caregiver when laundry products need to be purchased.
________ c. Clean kitchen. Wash, dry, and put away the dishes, leaving the kitchen neat and in order.
________ d. Vacuum and mop floors as needed.
________ e. Dust the surface areas as directed and needed.
________ f. Water plants as directed and needed.
________ g. Make a list of any grocery, cleaning, and laundry items needed from the store.
III. OTHER: Please list all that you want to be handled.
1. ________ (Prompt to drink to keep hydrated, e.g.)
2. ________ (Frequency to change incontinence care, e.g.)
3. ________ ____________________________________________________
4. ________ ____________________________________________________
5. ________ ____________________________________________________
6. ________ ____________________________________________________
7. ________ ____________________________________________________
8. ________ ____________________________________________________
9. ________ ____________________________________________________
10. ________ ____________________________________________________
CHAPTER 5
Caregiver Hiring Packet
This area is meant for assisting the individual who will require a caregiver to assist with daily home care and the primary caregiver who is seeking assistance. Each area provides information from how to hire a caregiver, an interview sheet, to instructions once you have hired a caregiver or service.
Caregiver Agreement
This will provide a clear understanding of a written agreement with your caregiver. It will be important to make the appropriate changes to meet your needs.
Caregiver Daily Checklist. This is located in section 4.
This is important to establish what task is needed in detail for the daily care. Include this form with your hiring packet so the prospective caregiver understands what will be expected of their duties.
Caregiver Employment Application
This is to be completed by the applicant. This will help during the interview to better understand the individual you are hiring. You may want to take a photo with your camera or cell phone for your file. It is important to know your local and state regulations of what you can ask so an applicant does not feel they have been discriminated against.
Caregiver Guidelines
This provides the caregiver guidelines or expectations. Be sure to customize it to ensure clarity of understanding between you and the caregiver of their responsibilities and expectations.
Caregiver Hire Guidelines
The supplied forms within each area give you example guidelines to put in your binder. It will be important for you to customize each area to ensure that your needs are met by adding pertinent information as this is your personalized handbook.
Caregiver Interview Checklist
This schedule provides you with guidelines when setting up for an interview.
Caregiver Interview Evaluation
This helps in the applicant elimination process when you have interviewed several applicants. Many of the questions during an interview can reflect a gut feeling about someone. You may want to get a picture to add to your file to help what the applicant looked like; you can use your cell phone for this.
Caregiver Interview Guidelines
This offers information and assistance designed to provide some tools when you need to hire a new caregiver for your loved one or yourself.
Caregiver Interview Questionnaire
This is to be completed by the applicant so you can see if they meet your needs.
Caregiver Job Description
It is important to have a job description to provide clarity on the responsibilities needed, salary, and hours required. Provided is a sample to assist you. You can use some of it and add information or create your own; the choice is yours as this is meant as an example, and your specific needs must be stated to ensure that the applicant understands what is requested of their service. It's important to understand that you are not allowed by law to discriminate on race, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, marital/family status, arrest history, financial status, or disability. It is important to state if you only want a male or female because of the personal privacy required for care. Here is an example; the individual requiring care is a female, and a female caregiver is needed, etc.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Personal Caregiver Handbook"
by .
Copyright © 2017 Gloria Lopez.
Excerpted by permission of Trafford Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Personal Caregiver Handbook, xi,
The Caregiver, xvii,
Forms List, xix,
Binder Organization Suggestion, xxv,
SECTIONS,
1 Address A to Z, 1,
2 Alerts and Concerns Log, 3,
3 Allergy List, 5,
4 Caregiver Daily Checklist, 8,
5 Caregiver Hiring Packet, 13,
6 Caregiver Sign-In Log, 38,
7 Chart Notes, 40,
8 Community Transportation, 42,
9 Daily Vital Record Keeping, 46,
10 Emergency Contact Information, 49,
11 Equipment Maintenance, 52,
12 Intake Log, 63,
13 Laundry, 65,
14 Meal Suggestions, 68,
15 Medical Concerns Checklist, 70,
16 Medical Occurrence Log, 100,
17 Medication Daily Schedule and Chart, 102,
18 Monitoring Log, 105,
19 Personal Bag Organization, 107,
20 Personal Medical Summary, 115,
21 Personal Medical Supplies, 124,
22 Endorsement and Other Publications Available, 126,