On Their Own Terms
/By Susan Cleland
Every day, the staff at HEEFS use an assortment of tools to measure the health and safety of each resident. One of the tools is a large-animal scale to ensure that healthy individual weights are maintained, another is a thermal scanner to detect any potential infections. What’s equally important is to measure all of the things that are not as easy to see.
BJ and Escalade, for example, were the first residents to arrive at HEEFS. After seeing them go about their busy lives every day for almost eight years, it can be difficult to measure and recall any decline in their mental, physical, social, or emotional wellbeing across that time span.
“Naturally, we are all so emotionally attached to each resident and different people can have different interpretations about how someone may be feeling over time,” said Andrea White, Animal Health Care Manager.
So, in 2021, our amazing team of staff followed recommendations from veterinarians and developed a unique, “Quality of Life Assessment” for all of the residents at HEEFS.
Every caregiver completes the assessment with two to four residents per week, on a rotational basis, so each resident’s quality of life is closely observed. Whether someone is healthy, sick, differently-abled, or elderly, information is gathered and individual baselines are established.
Caregiver Jen Jones added, “Each staff member is answering the same questions which generate an objective numeric score, covering all aspects of a resident’s life. Demeanor, pain level, mobility, their sense of belonging and participation in social relationships, just to name a few.”
After each assessment, scores are then graphed and monitored. Anyone whose score is declining is assessed more frequently. One of the greatest benefits of the assessment is that it can help inform us if pain meds require adjusting, if therapies are required, if a veterinarian should be consulted, or if any other healthcare needs can be met.
Should healthcare changes have been made, and a resident’s score continues to decline, any decisions are met as a team during weekly staff meetings as to what would be best for him or her to maintain the highest quality of life.
When we rescue someone from a terrible situation, we are also making a life-long promise to take excellent care of them as their needs change, and that they continue to live their lives on their own terms.
