silverstar

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

Solar Bell

Lara,

I would like to thank your mother for raising a pretty good young woman!

Nice post!

-cw-

bandman

I'm embarrassed to say this but your post actually brought tears to my eyes. I spent much of my youth taking care of my grandmother who had diabetic ulcers on her feet, and was blind. When I left for college she had to go live in a home because my mom just could not take care of her, work, and raise my younger brother and sister who were still very young.

My grandmother went into a home in which we later found out had some pretty not nice people working there. I wish she had known somebody like you. Her last couple of years would have been much nicer.


((((((LARA))))))

silverstar

Thanks, though, I would have to say that most of that thanks should go to my Dad...he raised my brother and I pretty much by himself until he married my Mom now. Long story behind that. Though, my Mom is the best thing that happened to our family and I love her to death. To me, she's Mom and I will never call her anything else.

Don't be embarrassed! I'm sorry that she had to go through that. My Grandma used to live in the same place I'm working at, but when she was there, the managment and the aids were not the nicest of people. Things are better there now, though.

Lara

Liad Bar-EL

Lara,

Really nice post!!

One thing you might like to consider from my experience. Everyone loves music especially when they have a live band playing for them.

I use to do this in Israel. It goes over very well for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.

Bring your horn and you will be a great hit….or you might get a great hit if you don’t clear this with management first.

Liad Bar-EL