We worked in pairs with an established staff member. Not every resident was feeling cheery and cooperative, but that's no surprise. One can hardly blame them. I was questioned as to how long I've been working at the nursing home and where I went to school. I had to think fast in order to reassure this particular resident and not lie. ha ha! Tonight my nose is playing tricks on me and I'm hoping this a normal and fleeting affliction. Everything smells like... well... you know... Maybe this could be a good weight loss program. :0)I found myself thankful today that my mom and dad never had to live in a nursing facility, but not because the people there aren't compassionate. I'm grateful once again that my dad didn't linger long confined to a bed in a body that he couldn't control. As difficult as it was to let my parents go, I'm sure it would have been harder to have them stay.
Now I have a decision to make regarding employment. We've not yet been hired by the facility training us, but we do have that option. We can apply with them or seek out another option. I'm leaning toward staying and hoping this week will help with the final decision.
Sometimes a bad smell will get stuck in my sinuses like that..it's awful! Eat a peppermint or clean out your nose with a q-tip dipped in mouthwash. Sounds weird but you might get desperate enough. ha.
ReplyDeleteEating mints at work might help, too!
Yes, in some ways you're lucky with your parents. There are great nursing homes, but there's still no place like home!
Charlie's looking a little tired! ha.
Yes, Charlie is leaning. I thought he was appropriate after spending the day with the residents. They're not all tipping over, but a few of them are.
DeleteThanks for the tips on getting the smell out of my sinuses. I'll definitely be trying some of them. I think I've got some of those "curiously strong" mints in my bag.
:0)
Oh Martha...life sure has twists and turns....
ReplyDeleteWho would have thought you would be where you are....
I am also glad that my folks didn't linger....
But...like you say.....still hated that they left....
Very proud of you...
You are made of good stuff...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Linda. a year ago I never would have believed I'd be doing this. Honestly, I believe it's a testimony to the love my parents had for the people they loved and served in their ministry to nursing home residents for the last 30 years of their lives. Without the strength of God's love in my life I couldn't do this. Thank you for your encouragement. I need it.
DeleteOne of my grandparents was confined to a nursing home for a couple of years and it was heartbreaking. I'm thankful that my grandma that recently passed didn't get in that condition so I totally understand what you mean.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you as you make your decision about the employment. This might just be your calling.
Thank you for your prayers, Angie. It is my hope to see each resident as someone's sweet grandma, even if the are cranky and rude. Everyone needs a tender touch and eyes that love.
DeleteMy husband and I volunteer at a nursing home near where we live. We are with The Pet Therapy and take our big black lab in to visit the residents and they just LOVE it. Their faces just light up when we come in. One lady who rarely speaks to anyone becomes so animated when we arrive....the care givers are always so surprised. Good for you Martha.......you will make a wonderful caregiver.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn from Canada
Marilyn, I heard the social worker talking to a newer resident today and she asked if he likes animals. They too have a program where people bring in animals. I think that's wonderful. How nice of you and your husband to share your furry family member with residents of the nursing home. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the reactions when the animals come in.
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Thank you for taking mom in and caring for her 24/7.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, do you have to have a dog with special training to do that? I could see myself doing that sort of thing...if I had the dog.
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