The Scrubs Effect
Let’s set the stage, and see if it sounds familiar…
Mom/Dad is in the hospital for whatever reason, and then they are moved to rehab. Doctors, nurses, aids, physical therapists, & occupational therapists are in and out of the room all day long imparting advice on how to get stronger faster. Mom/Dad are doing everything they say, when they say it, how they say it with SMILES! The discharge date finally comes, and it’s nothing short of a graduation celebration!
Once mom/dad is at home in their own bed/favorite chair, something changes. They stop moving, stop eating right, stop nearly everything the rehab team told them to do! The agreeable smiles are now frowns followed by the phrases “I’ll do it later” or “I don’t feel like it”.
If you’re wondering how I’ve successfully described the exact situation you are experiencing or have experienced, it’s because we hear the same story from frustrated sons and daughters 2-3 times a week. The children want to know why their parents will do it for the hospital or rehab team, and not for their own family. They are hurt and frustrated and lost.
Believe it or not, this type of call is one of our favorites because Right at Home Memphis has GREAT NEWS! We know why mom/dad has changed, and we can help! It’s something we’ve come to describe as “the scrubs effect” theory. While this isn’t the exact medical term, there is truth in this theory, nonetheless! When someone new comes into our lives in official uniform, we tend to put our best foot forward. Our caregivers wear scrubs, masks, and gloves. Your mom/dad will unconsciously be more apt to participate in whatever rehab plan they’ve been sent home with when our caregivers come along-side them as cheerleaders.
Not only can we come alongside as physical therapy cheerleaders, we help out with meal preparation and errands to ensure proper nutrition is happening, as well as hydration. We provide medicine reminders, light housekeeping, and all levels of bathing, dressing, and incontinence care. What’s more is our hourly rate doesn’t fluctuate with the level of care/encouragement needed. It’s a fixed rate. Give us a call for a free assessment and consultation. We will restore hope and smiles to you and your loved ones.
We’re very confident that Right at Home Memphis’ caregivers will be an asset to anyone coming home from the hospital or rehab, despite their age or health. For more information on how to get ready for the transition from hospital to home, take a look at our RightTransitions® program.
