Well today I got a new resident. She came with her therapy dog, a lovely tri colored border collie who has already been tested here. Sadie did not make any moves to chase cats or kill chickens and she comes when called. This gave her the green light to stay.
I just about didn't get the green light from my 2 women who have varying degrees of dementia. People with dementia like things to remain the same and they are usually resistant to change. They were quite curious who this was and what all the kerfuffle was about with all the stuff coming and going. I sat down and explained to them both that I can take care of 5 people. This woman needs help just like they do. I explained she had experienced 6 strokes already and its good for her to live with others. At supper they warmed up to her very well as she can carry on a great conversation. She too has some memory loss so they are all in the same boat. Its amazing to watch natural compassion rise up after feelings of I suspect fear, anxiousness and wonderment. What the hell is going on? There is little reason to explain this impending change in advance because they are so in the moment. If I had told them at noon that a new woman was coming this afternoon by the time she arrived it would be all new information. Best just to work with what's right in front of us.
All 3 people need attention of one sort or another at 8 pm. Pills, pjs and assistance getting the commode all lined up. I have 12 hour days and I am on a 14 day straight run. Oh I had Wednesday off to drive the bus home! I love my work. Its an opportunity to do simple things that make a big difference in people's lives.
So needless to say I didn't have much time to feel for sorry for myself today. I do have a great book on grief (one of several I have) on my living room chair so when I sit with the seniors to watch TV I can read a bit. What I am looking for is some kind of indication I am moving on....and what I am feeling is normal. I know that intellectually but.....
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