Communication...AGAIN!!!! LOL

 My "thought" concerning the idea of "No news is good news":

Below is an excerpt from a communication I sent today to Paul's Home Care services concerning their lack of follow through and communication to me, his guardian. They have been avoiding and even placating his case manager and I since about July of last year using...

"All is well" and "If there was an issue they would have contacted me."

However, this has not been the case. Several things have happened with Paul that I have found out through the other services working with Paul (who know that I am serious about communication). Once I have found out then his case manager and I work to understand what happened and how it was addressed. His home care services lack the initiative to honor my request of weekly communication (comms) and have about 10% follow through with what communication exists. Usually it is all "rosy" and nothing to tell. My specific questions are glossed over or completely avoided. This comes across as rude, inconsiderate and evasive. Thus, I begin to question exactly what is going on and a visit to Missoula will follow very soon.

The email below is the last chance for them to step their game back up to meeting the basic requests I asked and have reminded them of over the past year and half. Options are opening up again for me to look at with Paul's current care arrangements, however I would much rather continue working with his current home services and if I need to get my requests formalized, in legalities, I will. I truly do not want this nor do I desire moving Paul or changing his current home situation however, the options are opening up...

Afternoon everyone!!!

It's been awhile since I have talked with most of you so am just reconnecting.

I am one, whom you know, that believes no communication is miscommunication.

Too much time has passed with very little contact or updates.

This basically means that Paul's homecare is not making sure to keep me in the loop with what is going on with staffing changes and how Paul is adjusting to these as well as to the new items that have been placed within his apartment.

(Staff Coordinator=SC), thank you for taking the time to catch (case manager=CM) and I up on some of the questions I asked. I truly appreciate all you do and want to say thank you! I know nights are rough and understand the time constraints this places on you.

My thoughts are as follows:

(Staff Supervisor=SS) seeing that (SC) is not able to make the monthly phone conferences with (CM) and I, will you put us on your schedule please? I feel this will assist in covering low T-Logs and assist in addressing concerns which arise and will save time all the way around.

Due to Paul's specific dietary concerns with weight and cholesterol, (SC) would you see that he has a meal menu that will be followed when shopping? I know you set this going awhile ago and it needs to be continued...especially since there are new and transitioning staff issues. Paul still decides what he wants to eat, however I am asking the staff to make sure healthier choices are decided upon within dietary guidelines. Thank you!

(Med Tech=MT), please let me know when Paul has appointments. I received a call from Five Valley's Urology and was unaware of Paul having a follow-up. They were also confused as to whom to call. I know you are still adjusting and it can still be overwhelming. :-) A simple note or text will be fine when you schedule the appointment. Also, how are things going with Paul's glasses? What about the leg brace? BTW: I appreciated talking with you recently. I cannot wait to meet you in the next month or two!

(ORI DayStaff=ORI), THANK YOU! for communicating with me and catching me up on how Paul is doing at ORI during his time there.

(CM), THANK YOU for keeping in communication and I do hope you enjoyed your time off!!! ( you will probably read this when you get back)

I understand that things get hectic and time constraints between work and our own lives tend to add pressure. It is normal to drop the ball on things or entities that we do not see or interact with on a daily basis. I, like each of you, have numerous obligations and things pulling me in opposite directions.

However, I am a Guardian/Sister that asks more from those working with my brother. This MORE is to communicate on a regular basis...ie: T-Logs, texts, secure comms, phone calls etc. These need to happen more than has been done in the past 6-10 months. Each of you know the reasons I ask this. If you don't, then call me and I will gladly tell you of what brought ORI to taking over Paul's homecare.

I am here to assist you in anyway I am able; but my first priority is Paul and no communication eventually leaves him in a situation where his needs are missed. I do not assume that every caregiver is on top of all his needs and concerns. Recent EX: He scratched his face and broke his glasses due to an incident with a "Sub" and this caused him an injury and having to replace his glasses. No one said anything until after the fact. I am still unclear as to what happened but this incident is not the concern.

My concern is that I know I have asked if Paul is hurt, whether he goes to the hospital or not, I am to be informed immediately! A text or a call is due at the time of the incident/accident/injury. This did not happen and I still have not heard from his homecare services about what did happened. (do not need it now)

My hope is that if you have questions or concern in following my request you will contact me and we can talk through these.

I realize you each need to get back to work and other items on your agenda. I do too.

My last request is that each of you will send me a reply that you have received this communication and for those I have asked specific things, that you will follow through with what I have asked and let me know when it is completed and ideas on how to make these happen.

Take care and know communication is important and even vital however this in no way diminishes or is meant as a "butt chewing", just more of a reminder of how important follow through and communication are to the care of Paul. I do feel a ton of gratitude for what each of you do in your positions. Thank you, sincerely and from the bottom of my heart for ALL you do.

Shana Standley-Wolfe

Pull my finger...I DARE you!!!

                                              

                              

  Now that wasn't so bad was it?

                   (I NEVER forget that I do this for Paul)