Found on the wall

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I found this posted on a wall at work and wanted to share with all y'all:

When I wander don't tell me to come and sit down-Wander with me.

It may be because I am hungry, thirsty, need the toilet, or maybe I just need to stretch my legs.

When I call for my mother(even though I'm ninety!). don't tell me she has died. Reassure me, cuddle me, ask me about her. It may be that I am looking for the security that my mother once gave.

When I shout out, please don't ask me to be quiet--or walk by--I am trying to tell you something but am having difficulty in teling you what.

Be patient...try to find out. I may be in pain.

When I become agitated or appear angry, please don't reach for the drugs first, I am trying to tell you something. It may be too hot--too bright--too noisy, or maybe it's because I am missing my loved ones.

Try to find out first when I don't eat my dinner or drink my tea. It maybe because I've forgotten how to...show me what to do...remind me. It may be that I just need to hold my knife and fork-I may know what to do then.

When I push you away when you are trying to help me--a wash perhaps, or getting dressed, maybe it's because I have forgotten what you have said. Keep telling me what you are doing--over and over and over--Maybe others will think YOU are the one that needs help!

With all my thoughts and maybes, perhaps it will be you who reaches my thoughts, understands my fears and will make me feel safe.

Maybe it will be you....that I need to thank...

If only I knew how.

[Ruthfarmer]

Well said!

[llfox]

Wow! Such a lonely world... Very well done.

[orthonurse55]

Beautiful! I'll share that with my CNA students!

[sharpeimom]

moving!

[katsanchezRN]

Very touching! Going to share with my cnas. Thank you for posting!

[CheesePotato, BSN, RN]

This.

Okay? Just....this.

Having stumbled across this post, I found myself sitting at my computer hysterically gesturing and making unintelligent sounds.

Then I realized you can't see the gesturing.

I have provided for the elderly folks in my life until they shuffled free this mortal coil and I know the words above to be true, touching and perfect.

Thank you for posting.

~~CP~~

P.S.

I have sent this along to a dear friend who works in the LTC environment. Because I can.

[dreameyes1]

I whole heartedly agree. This is a wonderful post I know to be true. I worked with Adults that have Autism and sometimes other Developmental Disabilities before becoming a Nurse. The best compliment I received was when we went to party that was given by one of the local churches .

One of the members commented on how well behaved I was , thinking that I was a resident of the grouphome instead the Manager. That means I fit right in.

[RpeNa]

Thank you for sharing this... Could I pass this on to my co-workers?

[interceptinglight, CNA]

I especially loved this: "When I push you away when you are trying to help me--a wash perhaps, or getting dressed, maybe it's because I have forgotten what you have said. Keep telling me what you are doing--over and over and over--Maybe others will think YOU are the one that needs help!" That's what I found most helpful when dealing with combative dementia patients, to just talk talk talk, very gently and say exactly what you are doing and why...and to keep repeating it as you provide the care, over and over. The softness of your voice is sometimes all you need to calm and comfort them enough to stop them pushing you away. What beautiful words, thanks for sharing!!

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Thank you for sharing this... Could I pass this on to my co-workers?

Feel free to share this with anyone.

[EmTheNewRN]

CapeCodMermaid, I wish there were a "Love" button.