The director of nursing got snippy with me on the phone because I wanted to see how many briefs "pullups" my mom had. One lady told her that I needed to buy some more and she really didn't tell me now many were left. Then when I took some things to her, plus some more briefs, I asked her to show me how many were left in the package. She had plenty left for a week.
I don't feel that I was out of place asking to see. The DON said, pretty much, that I was wrong for doing that and they were very busy. I was told that she usually doesn't work on Sunday's but she was there today.
I did send her an e-mail apologizing for offending her. That was the least that I could to.
Right now, these facilities are up to their ears in stress from the virus situation that's plaguing us all. The staff is extra pressured, so you should attribute the DONs attitude to all that's going on. Not to mention, the MC is stocked with disposable briefs so even if your mom ran out, they'd be able to give her a fresh supply.
Where I work, we have a woman who hospice just determined is beginning to transition. The staff's main concern right now is keeping her comfortable and figuring out how to 1: Let her daughter know and 2: how to allow her daughter access to see her mom in spite of the no visitor's policy we're currently strictly enforcing. Another gentleman is having a meltdown & banging his walker on the door to the reception area because he wants his sheets changed NOW, in the midst of all the chaos. And another lady who's not allowed into the lobby anymore (for the time being) is SO irritated that she's constantly making a scene for residents and caregivers alike.
So yeah, it's stressful right now in these places, that's for sure.
But we'll all get through to the other side one of these days & things will calm down once again.
I can't imagine how stressed the regular workers could be. Worried for their residents, for themselves, their own families. Working with agency staff when short-staffed. Supplies may be disrupted. The residents behaviours may be challenging as routines may be disrupted, unknown staff attending them & lack of their usual visitors. Many residents won't understand these events at all & be lonely.or afraid.
On the bright side, the staff will support each other & the residents - they will be like family.
Just thank the staff when you can (I'm sure you do anyway) 💜
Plus my mom is there and I am very concerned for her also. Asking about the briefs shouldn't have been any reason for her to get bent out of shape. I go by numbers. Not by them telling me to buy more.
But life goes on.
I imagine the DON being in on Sunday was an indication that the home was under a great deal of stress. I think this is a time cut folks in healthcare some slack. Hope that mom and all of your family stay well.