I have been browsing the internet to try to find information on staffing levels for dementia specific.  I was horrified to see there are no legal requirements, just 'adequate'.  What is 'adequate'?  I have had the responsibility of careing for 16 dementia specific residents, 9 high care with aggressive and challenging behaviours, and 9 low care.  I did regular  7.6 hour evening shifts, 5 nights a week, for 4 months, alone on the wing,  I repeatedly asked for assistance but was told it was a 1 staff wing.

Consequently I had to take leave after 19 weeks, 2 weeks after returning I was hospitalized with a severe tachycardia event, then 2 weeks later, another hospitalization after suffering a heart attack.

The sheer stress levels and volume of work was overwhelming, but the mighty dollar won out over the replaceable carer.  The workers compensation process has been one barrel of laughs after another, and is still going on.

I wonder why there is a shortage of aged carers!  It's way past time that someone does something about legal staffing levels to protect both the residents and the staff.

I have been browsing the internet to try to find information on staffing levels for dementia specific.  I was horrified to see there are no legal requirements, just 'adequate'.

What is 'adequate'?  I have had the responsibility of caring for 16 dementia specific residents, 9 high care with aggressive and challenging behaviours, and 9 low care.  I did regular 7.6 hour evening shifts, 5 nights a week, for 4 months, alone on the wing,

I repeatedly asked for assistance but was told it was a 1 staff wing.  Consequently I had to take leave after 19 weeks, 2 weeks after returning I was hospitalized with a severe tachycardia event, then 2 weeks later, another hospitalization after suffering a heart attack.

The sheer stress levels and volume of work was overwhelming, but the mighty dollar won out over the replaceable carer.  The workers compensation process has been one barrel of laughs after another, and is still going on.  I wonder why there is a shortage of aged carers!

It's way past time that someone does something about legal staffing levels to protect both the residents and the staff.