We do a difficult job when performing therapy in a nursing home. We have to deal with dementia, pain, depression, and anger.
As we try to find the magic button to get someone to work hard it can be really challenging. There are usually always the same excuses. ” Don’t you know how old I am?” Or ” “What if I don’t want to do it.”
We need to quickly break through the barriers to truely help someone quickly. We need to use as many tools as possible.
Sometimes family can help
There is on occasion the chance that a push from a family member can get the ball rolling. Unfortunately this is the exception and not the rule. Too often than not it will only last one treatment or will completely push someone the other way and shut down even more.
Sometimes you just need a good meal
For some people simply having a good meal (or a few) can make a huge difference. Unfortunately food tastes and preferences can be a very tricky aspect of short term rehab. The diet is highly regulated with minimal to no seasoning and spices due to the stricter dietary guidelines they have to follow. It is also not “home food”. Unfortunately it is also the only aspect that they truely have control over. They can choose to eat or not to eat.
Smile, you just never know how far that can go
You would be surprised how just a constant simple smile can completely change the person’s outlook. When we radiate positive feelings and show a genuine smile it can make a huge difference. The more encouraging and positive we can be through each session and celebrate every small change, the whole experience can change.
It can have a lasting effect
I was recently reminded of this as a resident that I had worked with years ago had been re-admitted. With the amount of people we work with over the years sometimes a name will be familiar or even a face. Often times it is hard to remember right away if it has been some time since they were there. When I had introduced myself to this resident, she had immediately remembered me after over 3 years. All she had to say was how much it helped her that I was so nice to her last time. What a feeling it is to get that reminder of how much we get to impact someone’s life. I am so thankful for what I get to do.
