1) Please be courteous with us and all the care team. We are all here to make you and your loved one better. We are all on the same team!7) It is expected to see changes of behavior in patients with underlying dementia, if you notice a behavior is off, please make us aware immediately.
2) Let’s talk DNR status (Do not Resuscitate). This piece of information is crucial to align expectations in care and needs.8) Bring all home medications, even over the counter ones. This will help us make sure that we are on the same page. Do not give medications on our own.
3) Please check with the nursing staff if you can assist your loved one with walks or mobility out of bed, before you try on your own.9) Let us know if food and water intake is different from baseline. We do not know what is normal for you or your loved one.
4) Do not feed the patient unless we have cleared you to do so; some patients have swallowing problems and feeding the wrong consistency, or a different type of diet can create complications.10) Keep the lights on and blinds open during the day, make sure all lights are off after 8 pm, this helps prevent sleeping problems and even behavioral changes.
5) Visit frequently and stimulate your loved one with light conversations while you are there.11) The facility has a multidisciplinary team that will assist you with discharge planning, let’s talk about it early. Can you take care of them at home, or do we need another type of
6) Do not stress out your loved one!