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Alzheimer`s Disease/Standby care for shower/bathing

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Expert: - 12/14/2009


Question
Dear Ms. Peticca,

My mother is recently diagnosed with AD and has other health issues.  Her doctor ordered "stand by care" for when she showers.
Her in-home caregiver told me stand by care means just being in the household when she showers.  However, someone else told me it is defined as being within an arm's length when she showers.

Could you please be so kind as to provide the true definition of the term "stand by care"?  I will be grateful because I want to follow the doctor's order precisely.  My mother already had a fall due to caregiver inattentiveness post-shower.  

I would ask the doctor about this, but she does not like questions.  I don't trust the caregiver to know for sure.

Please help!

Angela  

Answer
Hello Sharon,

Typically, "stand by care" means being right in the bathroom with her when she is showering.  However, with Home Care, regulations are vague and a caregiver can interrupt them as they please.  In nursing home care....an aide Must be with an individual at all times.   I guess i would question why the caregiver would Not want to be with her as she showers?  Wouldn't that be most beneficial...whether or not the doctor "orders" it?  That is, common sense?

I would strongly suggest you reconsider the intentions and committment of your mother's caregiver...no matter What the doctor orders.

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA

Alzheimer`s Disease

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Michalene Peticca

Expertise

I'd be happy to help with any questions about Alzheimer's or Dementia diseases. I can also help with Medicare, Long term care & other insurance questions.

Experience

I have my Masters degree in Geriatrics and am credentialed through the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pennstate Milton Hershey hospital and the American Geriatrics Society. I've been in healthcare for over 20 years and worked directly with Alzheimer's and Dementia individuals for most of that time. I am also a licensed insurance agent in PA and MD. Currently i train healthcare professionals to care for Alzheimer and Dementia individuals and i have been a care manager for guardianship services in PA

Organizations
American Geriatrics Society

Education/Credentials
Masters degree in Geriatrics Licensed insurance agent in PA & MD.

Past/Present Clients
PHI Homes in Pennsylvania York, Dauphin & Adams County Area on Aging The Jewish Home of Harrisburg

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