My Mother's Life Dedicated to the Only Woman I'll Love, My Mother.

When Mom first came under the care of Beacon Community Services, they talked about a “yellow book” that was supposed to include the “care plan” for Mom.  This plan was to be used by the Home Support Workers, to note any changes or concerns, for the next worker.  Depending on who you talked to, it was designed for when Substitute workers would be assigned, so they could be kept current as to what Mom required. It meant I didn’t have to tell them, or explain.

In theory anyhow, but after 2½ plus years, I have found the Yellow Book to be merely a daily diary of  ‘washed, all okay’ BS.  Even when they noticed an open sore, nothing was noted in the Yellow Book, nor did Beacon Community Services bother to update it.  When I mentioned that to a Supervisor, some time back, I was told that the online care plan was update.

Think about that for a second.  IF they can update the online Care Plan, as they claimed, then how come every time a new worker showed up at the home, they hadn’t a clue as to what was involved?   In fact, many still assumed Mom had a broken wrist, which was back in July 2009.

Should Note that yesterday, the Supervisor for this district was present, for the purpose of doing a review on Mom’s condition, and in updating the so called Yellow Book. Least that was the explanation offered for the visit.

Issue number one that I have, is simply how often will that book be updated, and to what end does it really serve?

For example, our regular morning worker, Tracy, has no need to check the book. She is here five days a week, and can easily tell if Mom has a new issue, or not. She is very good at assessing Mom’s condition, and adapts to each situation, as needed.  Why should she be writing in a yellow book, that she did what she was here to do?

My other issue is, is this book simply a means to show due diligence?

IF workers are provided with an Online Edition of the plan, that is updated as claimed, then why do they need to look into the book? And if there is a condition they spot, why write it in a book, when they should be bringing that condition to someone’s attention, such as myself? The duty Nurse at Beacon?

I can see a benefit to such a book, for those who are alone, and have no one present when a worker is there. However, that book should be more than just scribbling some notes about giving the patient a wash, making the breakfast.  It should be about important issues, about changes noted, or things to keep an eye out for, such a Patient who is having memory issues, who should have their urinary output recorded, or bowel movements noted.  It should detail what pills were taken, if such is the need, or other details, that are not mundane.

Workers assigned to any Patient, SHOULD KNOW BEFORE WALKING IN THE DOOR WHAT THEIR DUTIES ARE.   Honestly, do you send a certified plumber to someone’s home if their car won’t start?

Bottom line is that COMMUNICATIONS between the Patient & Beacon are needed.  It shouldn’t be based on the Patient having to phone to see if a worker is coming, or to complain about care.  That should be a routine task assigned to an Office Worker, to keep a follow up and dialogue happening between the Patient & Beacon.

Course that assumes that Beacon actually cares about both their workers, and the Patients entrusted into their care.

COMMUNICATION between all parties has to be free flowing, without fear of retribution, or penalty. I know, from past experiences, that there is an intimidation factor, that Patients do feel that if they complain, they risk losing their home support.  It is a reality, that needs to be addressed, but not by Beacon Community Services, but by VIHA.

It is the GOVERNMENT who is paying for this service, and they should be in regular contact with the Patients, insuring that ANY PRIVATE AGENCY is doing as they are contracted to do.  IT IS UP TO VIHA to oversee this entire home support, and not leave it up to those private firms, tasked with that job.