I recently met a new resident who demanded almost constant attention from her loved ones. Her family visited daily for hours at a time, and she’d call them soon after they’d left and tell them she was lonely. Trying to please her, they were exhausted, frustrated, irritable, and terribly sad. I reminded her tearful daughter … Read more
And 83-year old Albertha assured me her family was planning to take her home for the holidays. “Have you talked to them about it? Have they called the social worker to arrange a pass, and meds, and transportation?” “No,” she replied, “but they’re coming to get me.” ‘Twas the week after Christmas, and Albertha … Read more
Over the years I’ve worked in nursing homes, my sister has come into the building exactly once. That experienced so disturbed her that she subsequently waited outside in her car, phoning on her cell when she’d arrived to meet me. My sister isn’t unique in her reaction. Nursing homes are places we like to … Read more