gentleness wanted for the elderly

Published

I realize our aides are under pressure to complete their duties but it upsets me to see them hurrying so much with the very fragile patients. I have one very fragile patient who's made it to 100 years old, and it tears at my heart to hear her screaming "Stop it! You're hurting me" when they bathe and dress her. I don't know why they need to roll her to her side so fast or put her arms in her sleeves so quickly. When I intercede, I speak to her nicely and move her slowly, and she cooperates just fine.....but I know the aides aren't really happy when I do this. They say I don't really understand because I don't do this type of care all the time like they do.

What do you think? Should I stay out of it and let the aides do their work as they want? Basically, they have never really hurt anyone so maybe I'm making too big a deal of this. I'd love to have your input.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I realize our aides are under pressure to complete their duties but it upsets me to see them hurrying so much with the very fragile patients. I have one very fragile patient who's made it to 100 years old, and it tears at my heart to hear her screaming "Stop it! You're hurting me" when they bathe and dress her. I don't know why they need to roll her to her side so fast or put her arms in her sleeves so quickly. When I intercede, I speak to her nicely and move her slowly, and she cooperates just fine.....but I know the aides aren't really happy when I do this. They say I don't really understand because I don't do this type of care all the time like they do.

What do you think? Should I stay out of it and let the aides do their work as they want? Basically, they have never really hurt anyone so maybe I'm making too big a deal of this. I'd love to have your input.

You're both right. The elderly should have all the time and tenderness they need. On the other hand, time and tenderness for one patient means others go without any attention, at all.

Old bodies can be achy. I know it's a band-aid type solution, but I often medicate the elderly in anticipation of morning (or other) care that requires a lot of disruptive motion. They all have Tylenol, at the very least.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, Sour Lemon. There's not much time to give this patient Tylenol ahead of time but I will certainly try. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and response.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

Contact the physician and request an order for routine Tylenol - schedule for an hour prior to am care.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you are able to complete the task without causing pain, then she may not need Tylenol (hard to say without me being present). Sounds like you may want to talk to the DON/Educator about providing some education to the CNAs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
If you are able to complete the task without causing pain, then she may not need Tylenol (hard to say without me being present). Sounds like you may want to talk to the DON/Educator about providing some education to the CNAs.

Or providing more CNAs. If they weren't so rushed to take care of so many people they might have the luxury of spending more time and being gentle.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion