This is an introduction to both the resident's rights, and to some terms you may hear while visiting with patients.  Even though the dog therapy visitor is not involved in health care, it is always a good idea to be informed of the "world" you will enter.

A Resident's Right - Senior And Health Care Facility

1 - The right to be treated with respect
2 - The right to have proper care
3 - The right to privacy
4 - The right to make their room their home
5 - The right to be informed of their medical condition
6 - The right to refuse treatment
7 - The right to participate in all the decision making
8 - The right to have their business and medical care kept confidential
9 - The right to communicate in confidence
10- The right to have family present
11- The right to forma friendships
12- The right to privacy with a spouse
13- The right to be informed in writing of any change of policy
14- The right to manage their affairs
15- The right to a safe, clean environment

There are various disabilities that have prompted residents to move into a home.  These are physical problems, cognitive problems, and the inability to function on one's own.

Any Senior or Health Care Facility should have a council that represents the residents concerns and issues.

In a role as volunteer, even if you are a dog therapy visitor, you will come across certain terms.  The following definitions may be helpful.

Alzheimer's Disease - a progressive illness which leads to memory loss, feelings of confusion and inability to perform daily activities.

Ambulatory - the ability to walk.

Aphasia - loss of the ability to communicate.  May not understand instructions, verbal or written. May understand but not be able to respond.

Arthritis - a disease of the joints which causes swelling, deformities and severe pain.

Cognitive impairment - this describes illnesses that cause difficulty with thought and memory.   This is NOT a sign of aging, rather, a sign of a medical condition.

COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a progress condition of the lungs that leads to shortness of breath

CVA - Common term for this is a stroke.

Dementia - refers to a persons loss of the ability to make sense of the world around them..  Dementia is NOT normal aging, rather is cause by disease.

Diabetes - the body's inability to process sugar.

DNR - Do not resuscitate - NO CPR

Chronic Depression - a long standing feeling of dejection and lack of hope. 

Incontinence - the inability to control bowel or bladder function.

Parkinson's Disease - a disease of the nervous system causing shaking and poor balance.

This is the first in a series of Volunteer Visiting Tips and Information.