Life in a Nursing home gives lots of challenges. We have to deal with many different variables from medical co-morbidities, cognitive problems, different social dynamics between families, and even difficult roommates.
Most people that are there for short term rehabilitation are not there of their choice. They had a major change in life and needed to continue recovering at short term rehabilitation. Sometimes this can often create some animosity, anger, or sadness at the beginning.
Sometimes people can be just not nice
Unfortunately at times because of the situation at the beginning some residents can be very mean to their caregivers. This can be especially true when there is some cognitive impairment.
This can make things difficult as we attempt to motivate that resident to participate in therapy and begin to recover. They can be very mean at times and will not hold anything back.
Unfortunately when this happens we need to just shrug it off, be positive, and if all fails just remove ourselves from the situation if they are in a safe place.
Try a different method
When we have difficulty we need to try and change our approach. This could be a different time of day, asking from the other side if there are hearing concerns, offering to help with something non Therapy related to open up the communication.
The longer you work in this setting, the easier it is to change approaches. You start to build a toolbox of ideas to utilize as well as more of an understanding that it is just an act to get you away from them.
Sometimes it’s the family, not the resident
I have had frequent encounters where if the family would just let the resident be, I would have an easier time motivating without interference. There have been times where with time I can get them moving but they can quickly shut right back down.
All in all, let it roll off your shoulders and try your best
At the end of the day all we can do is shake it off and remember the ultimate goal is to get them home. Keep trying and you never know what tool will help you break through to them. Just try your best.
