Irony & DSHS

Specialties Geriatric

Published

This is still annoying me a couple of days after the incident so I'm venting. The other day a man showed up at the nurses's station, identified himself as DSHS personnel and asked to interview a resident who will be discharging home soon. No problem. The resident was interrupted while in the middle of PT. I had alerted the DSHS worker that this resident was aphagic, to which he replied, "Can he answer yes and no questions?" as he whisked him off and wheeled him into a corner where the usual questions ensued. I proceeded with my med pass and after some time, noticed that the worker, who had disappeared some time earlier, still hadn't returned. There sat our resident, in the corner-unable to propel himself backwards in the wheel chair. I approached the resident, asking him whether the gentleman had left. He shrugged. So, this government official who is responsible for ensuring the proper, dignifed, humane treatment of our residents, dumped this guy in the corner and left him without letting anybody know or communicating that he was indeed leaving. Just ironic. Do as I say, not as I do.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Not sure about this - did he show you appropriate photographic ID? And did you notify anyone, ie. social worker, DON or administrator of his visit BEFORE directing him to the resident? That's usually facility P & P in all the places I've been.

His visit as you describe it leaves something to be desired, to say the least. Without knowing more, I question if maybe he was just some questionable person trying to get a signature??? It wouldn't be the first time... I've also heard of cases where off-duty State/other official personnel used their position to "fake' access to inpt residents for some reasons. Again not the first time... And the abrupt departure..

All leave too many unanswered questions that I think need to be checked out. Forget what I've said if I've jumped to conclusions or perhaps we don't have all the information needed. But just to protect and advocate for this gentleman, please make sure all is legitimate for his sake.

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I asked for his ID and led him to the DON prior to the interview. It's always good to reiterate the importance of checking ID, so thanks!

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Specializes in Emergency/Trauma/Critical Care Nursing.

Not to sound dumb but what is DSHS? I'm not familiar with that title or why they would need to interview LTC patients.

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Not to sound dumb but what is DSHS? I'm not familiar with that title or why they would need to interview LTC patients.

DSHS=Department of Social and Health Services-They are social workers who check on residents from time to time, particularly when the resident has a pending discharge to home. They ensure the resident received appropriate treatment during his/her stay and that the home is adequate to meet their needs. (In a tiny nut shell)

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Specializes in retired LTC.

To OP --- I'm feeling better now with the extra info - at least some shifty relative didn't come in to get a forced signature on SocSec checks or a will. Sadly, it does happen.

As for the visiting official ... little will come about re his insensitive exit. To play devil's advocate, it is REMOTELY possible that he MAY have told someone (altho a wrong one) he was leaving, or maybe he even asked the pt if he was OK there (altho it was unlikely). These officials are USUALLY conscientious.

And yes you were right on - the situation could have ended better. Thank you for watching out for the pt. Also, thank you for your response back on the thread. It's nice to know how some situations work out...

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