Mother’s day can be a tricky holiday in the nursing home. There are always activities in the week leading up to it and can be a real mix of emotions for our residents.
For some it can be a very happy time as sons and daughters come in to visit with their moms. This can also include multiple generations as grand children and even great grandchildren come in to visit.
For others it is a very sad time as they do not have anyone visit. Some have had children pass away before them , while others just might live too far away for a short visit. Some might also be thinking of their Mom’s that have passed before them.
Occasionally there might even be some family drama due to visitation from estranged family. Sometimes you never know what to expect.
Impact on Therapy
For the most part with Mother’s day on a Sunday we usually don’t have much interference with scheduled therapy. We will have to work around increasing visitors leading up to the day, but for the most part most people will visit on the Sunday.
Our biggest job is to be a listener on the Monday after. This is usually when the emotions can really be seen. Either sadness from a family returning to home, to a feeling of sadness from them not being able to leave with their families.
We need to turn up our ears and be more attentive and compassionate. We need to make sure we are being supportive of whatever emotions they are feeling afterwards and continue the focus on getting better.
Relationship is key
It is very helpful to have established a good relationship with your resident before hand to allow for increased ease of them confiding in you. Unfortunately you might have some new residents that might need some extra care and compassion. Overall do your best and be the caregiver you were made to be.
