Viola’s face was beet red, and she was hoarse from shouting. “How can they do this to me? I’ve been in this room for months and now they want me to move?!” “I know, you’ve gotten used to it here,” I tried to explain. “But this is the short-term floor and you’re not short-term anymore.” … Read more
I’ve been sick almost a week. Nothing major, but I’ve had to stay home from work. Completing everyday tasks has felt like swimming through jello, and once I’ve finished them I’ve had to lie down to rest. My lack of productivity has been incredibly frustrating. It would be easy to fall into a depression. And … Read more
I recently read an article about how the aging of baby boomers is causing some technology companies to focus on products geared toward older adults, often with the goal of helping them remain independent and at home for longer periods of time. But what about those older adults already living in nursing homes? What would help them be more … Read more
“My aide treats me like I’m an idiot,” Katrina typed to me on her talking computer. “What do you mean?” “She thinks I don’t know what’s going on!” Her eyes radiated her emotional pain. “She’s a bitch!” A series of strokes had stolen Katrina’s ability to speak, leaving her a silent observer of her surroundings … Read more
I was a dork in high school. Oh sure, some of the people who knew me best realized I wasn’t quite as dorky as I appeared on the outside, but to most of the kids in my class I was not a sought-after individual. Residents in geri-recliners are the dorks of the nursing home. For … Read more
Resident is a married White 84-year old woman admitted to My Better Nursing Home on 1/1/11 with Dx of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. ∅ psychotropic meds. Resident was born in NY, has a PhD in psychology, and worked in nursing homes until her retirement. Involved family. Chart reviewed and resident discussed with staff. Resident was alert, Ox3, and … Read more
THE PROBLEM: Because of their personality styles, some nursing home residents don’t ask for their PRN (as needed, or “per request of the nurse”) pain medication when they need it. The reasons for this vary: Psychologist, finding the resident in pain: “Why didn’t you tell the nurse?” Passive: “I didn’t want to bother her.” Macho: … Read more
2010 has been an exciting year here at My Better Nursing Home, and I’d like to thank you all for visiting and reaching out to me with your questions and ideas. I’ve made new connections through my blog, and deepened relationships with others who’ve been visiting and commenting for some time. Some highlights of 2010 … Read more
Give ’em hell Knit Hang out on the patio from Spring through Fall Attend every off-campus trip available Read Write Join, or start, the International Association of Nursing Home Residents Sit in the lobby and watch the people come and go, while knitting Attend the Classic Rock and R&B performances in therapeutic recreation Take a … Read more
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