"Positive Change"

Wish to highlight the changes that have taken place and the outcomes -

I met with the new care provider to go over my Dad's  full care plan and discuss all his needs/requirements. 

 I showed them the old care company's care plan, there is only one communication sheet that was left in the folder and it was a complete mess. I advised that my Dad hadn’t had a shower for 3 months according to the communication sheets. I also advised that my Dad's clothes were never changed by the last care company. I asked my Dad  how he felt care was going with the Ayr South carers and he stated it’s been great, they’re actually talking to him.

I am aware my Dad definitely can be non-compliant when asked direct questions, and carers should therefore take the approach of saying things like “let’s get you washed” rather than “do you want to go for a shower”, “here’s your lunch, it looks great” rather than “do you want anything for lunch?”. Due to his dementia he would likely say that he didn’t want anything for lunch but if it was put down in front of him he would willingly eat it. We have agreed to try and get my Dad into a routine, carers will make my Dad breakfast, lunch, dinner and leave a snack for supper at bed time – this will start from Monday and I will update carers today regarding this.

We also agreed that we are going to try and make his shower day a Friday (Dad is not aware of specific days but I would like to try for a shower once a week) and on other days a body wash and prompting oral care daily which he can carry out himself but he needs encouragement to do this.

I advised that Dad's sleeping pattern isn’t good at all, he has never been an early bedder and has never wore pyjamas. A carer obviously managed to get him into his nightwear the other night as when I arrived the next day they were folded on his pillow. I am keen for the carers to try and keep this up to try and encourage him into a routine.

I couldn’t be more thankful for the support the carers have provided to my Dad and already I can see a difference in my Dad, he is more alert. 

The development of a steady routine has been so beneficial to making a difference with regards to my Dad's moods and I was able to arrange a hearing appointment in the morning the other day for the first time in a very long time and I believe this is due to his new routine.