Indentifying the dementia pt for meds

IdrilRN, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2011

some times they know their first and or last name. Are there photos in the mars, I believe that would qualify.

tewdles, RN · Jul 11, 2011

All of the dementia units I work with use a photograph in the MAR. Some of them are really old photos...like time of admission, but a few take a new photo every year.

MisMatch, LPN · Jul 11, 2011

We have pictures in the MAR; most have their name and photo outside their door. Some pictures predate their admission, so it's not really a good idetifier.

The pictures do sufice as an identifier, along with the wristband to appease the surveyors.

What I like about LTC is that I know my residents, including the ones with dementia. I only use the identifiers when being audited or surveyed!

nursinger · Jul 11, 2011

WE don't have any pictures in the MAR, so I guess we'll have to go by the wrist band and those who can answer. If they can't answer, they can't answer. I just wonder if the surveyors are going to like that.

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Jul 11, 2011

Some of them do know their first and last name. You should know which residents do and which don't although they can be unpredictable sometimes.

If they don't.. their picture in the MAR.. if its updated. You can use their name bracelet with name, and medical records number against the MAR.

Before the state comes we go around and make sure every resident has a name bracelet on. You might want to do that at least for the residents on your assignment one night. As you do your first rounds just check to see if they have a bracelet and make a note of the ones who don't and make them a new one.

tewdles, RN · Jul 14, 2011

If the patient's can't answer, their roommate cannot id them, and there is no photo in the MAR, could you use a co-worker to say, yes...this is crazy little Matilda with the doilie on her lap...?

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2011

Pics in the MAR and name bands.

I haven't asked a name in years (unless it is the first time we meet someone)

Refresh my memory (I'm embarassed even asking). Surveyors look that you check name bands and ask names with each med pass, right?

nursinger · Jul 14, 2011

Well according to my unit manager, the suveyors are looking to see that you are doing this. I know it's crazy. You work there every day this is the residents home and they are there every day and you shouldn't have to ask them their name everyday. But for new employees I can see where it is important until they get to know the residents. I admit that after 37 years in nursing this is the first time I have ever been told to use two identifiers when giving meds so I started to do this the other day. I asked one resident his name and his eyes widened :eek: and he looked at me like I was cRaZy as a matter of fact, they all thought I was crazy, but I explained to them why I have to do this and they seem to understand. I was told the other day that if you have to give a dementa resident his meds and he can't tell you his name, we just tell the surveyor that he/she has dementia and it is not possible for him/her to identify themself, but if absolutely necessary we can ask another staff member to identify them by name also. When you scan their ID band and the computer asks you if this is the correct patient, I sure wish we had a photo ID pop up on the computer screen. Something I can suggest to those computer people.

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Jul 15, 2011

Well according to my unit manager, the suveyors are looking to see that you are doing this. I know it's crazy. You work there every day this is the residents home and they are there every day and you shouldn't have to ask them their name everyday. But for new employees I can see where it is important until they get to know the residents. I admit that after 37 years in nursing this is the first time I have ever been told to use two identifiers when giving meds so I started to do this the other day. I asked one resident his name and his eyes widened and he looked at me like I was cRaZy as a matter of fact, they all thought I was crazy, but I explained to them why I have to do this and they seem to understand. I was told the other day that if you have to give a dementa resident his meds and he can't tell you his name, we just tell the surveyor that he/she has dementia and it is not possible for him/her to identify themself, but if absolutely necessary we can ask another staff member to identify them by name also. When you scan their ID band and the computer asks you if this is the correct patient, I sure wish we had a photo ID pop up on the computer screen. Something I can suggest to those computer people.

Yea I know I don't ask my residents their name either. I think pictures for a LTC would work best.

"You've been giving me pills for all this time and you still don't know my name?" lol.

rockinRN04 · Jul 19, 2011

My facility uses pictures in the MAR/TAR. You may suggest this as a way to verify ID bands.