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silverstar · 02-25-2006, 09:00 PM

I work in a assisted living facility here in Cedar Rapids, and, it's really been an eye opener. I thought I'd share some of the stuff I've learned from my job:

* Elderly people aren't scary.
* Don't eat the cooked carrots at dinner or supper. They're nasty.
* The people who live there are all just like you and me, just older. They have so much to share and talk about, all we need to do is take the time to listen.
* Patience really IS a virtue! Yikes!
* Not to take things as personally as I normally do. Some people are just cranky, mostly because they're not able to do what they used to be able to do and it's frustrating.
* A hello and a genuine smile can do more for someone than you can imagine.
* You'd better hope that you brought your own lunch when they're serving liver and onions for dinner....and don't forget to bring some air fresheners too....liver and onions smell HORRIBLE!!
* Just because a person is difficult to deal with is no excuse to not like them. Get used to it, deal with it, and you may just have found yourself a new friend.
* Slow down and listen. Don't just go and do your job. Take the time to actually show you care and you're not just working for the money.

I really love my job. It's not very fun at times, it's a lot of work, and after an eight hour shift my feet are about ready to fall off they hurt so bad. You have to deal with cranky people, slightly confused people, lonely people, and bedpans. There are times when your pager is going nuts and you have to be in two places at once and you just feel like sitting in a corner and crying. BUT...you're helping people. You're there to make their lives just a little bit better. It teaches patience and caring. It also makes you realize that you're going to be like that one day...how would you like to be treated? You learn so much by just sitting an hour and talking with a resident. It's almost like I gained a whole bunch of grandparents when I got hired.

I don't know really the point of posting this...but....I thought someone would find it useful.

Lara

02-25-2006, 09:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
silverstar Mezzo Forte User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Posts: 892	Things I've learned from work... I work in a assisted living facility here in Cedar Rapids, and, it's really been an eye opener. I thought I'd share some of the stuff I've learned from my job: * Elderly people aren't scary. * Don't eat the cooked carrots at dinner or supper. They're nasty. * The people who live there are all just like you and me, just older. They have so much to share and talk about, all we need to do is take the time to listen. * Patience really IS a virtue! Yikes! * Not to take things as personally as I normally do. Some people are just cranky, mostly because they're not able to do what they used to be able to do and it's frustrating. * A hello and a genuine smile can do more for someone than you can imagine. * You'd better hope that you brought your own lunch when they're serving liver and onions for dinner....and don't forget to bring some air fresheners too....liver and onions smell HORRIBLE!! * Just because a person is difficult to deal with is no excuse to not like them. Get used to it, deal with it, and you may just have found yourself a new friend. * Slow down and listen. Don't just go and do your job. Take the time to actually show you care and you're not just working for the money. I really love my job. It's not very fun at times, it's a lot of work, and after an eight hour shift my feet are about ready to fall off they hurt so bad. You have to deal with cranky people, slightly confused people, lonely people, and bedpans. There are times when your pager is going nuts and you have to be in two places at once and you just feel like sitting in a corner and crying. BUT...you're helping people. You're there to make their lives just a little bit better. It teaches patience and caring. It also makes you realize that you're going to be like that one day...how would you like to be treated? You learn so much by just sitting an hour and talking with a resident. It's almost like I gained a whole bunch of grandparents when I got hired. I don't know really the point of posting this...but....I thought someone would find it useful. Lara __________________ email: Lara.Shema@gmail.com ***************************************** insert witty comment here