Do you say goodbye to your residents?

[CoffeemateCNA]

For those of you in LTC:

Do you say goodbye to your residents when you are leaving to go home?

This is for LTC in general, but demented residents in particular (especially those in locked units).

It seems like both saying goodbye and not saying goodbye cause problems. When I say goodbye to some of my residents, it tends to "rub in" the fact that I get to go home and have a whole outside life, while they are stuck there and desperate to get out (many of you know the lengths to which they will go to attempt to escape!). It makes some of them even more depressed (especially after they've just told me how bored they are and how much they hate living there) and they begin to cry.

Then, when I don't say goodbye, those same residents will be upset 15 minutes after I leave because I "walked out" on them, not caring enough to wish them a good night, etc.

What do you do? Where's the happy medium?

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Idk I've never been in that situation. When I work day shift, at the end of my shift they're all usually in activities, outside, or sleeping. When I work evening shift, they're sleep lol. I guess I would just say to them(day shift) "see you guys tomorrow" or something like that.

[volcomcna]

I have not been in that situation either. I work Noc and on my last rounds I usually let them know I am finished for the day and will see them later that night, I only have one res. that tells me " don't go " in a sad tone. :)

[mommyof2nc]

I work 3rd shift and I say goodbye to them after I see them during my last rounds. I usually just say something like, "Hope you have a good day" and leave it at that.

[mommyof2nc]

Sorry, it wouldn't let me edit my last post. I normally work in rehab but sometimes work either in medical or the Alzheimer's unit and I treat those residents the same way. Most of the time, they just tell me to have a good day too and are fine. I do have one resident that doesn't want me to leave her sometimes and thinks she's going to have to spend the day all by herself if I leave. Some days, though, she's totally fine with me leaving. lol

[Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN]

I dont usually have that problem either. I work days, and when I lay them down after lunch I will tell them to have a good nap and I will see them again in the morning. Sometimes they think they have to stay in bed until morning (ha ha!!) and I explain they'll get up again before dinner. That's usually enough. One with Alzheimer's, I just say I'll see you tomorrow and that is that.

Not much else to offer, sorry!

Dondie

[blessedinscrubs]

Totally depends on the resident. Some would panic and ask me to do this, this, this, this, that, this and this for them before I go. Others would keep putting their light on, wanting to see me again. (Because of course, my relief would be FAR too busy chatting at the nurses station or talking on their cell phone to answer the call light, even though they are already clocked in). To these type of residents, I tell them "I'll see you after a little while", or "I'll see you later." (little while and later meaning tomorrow).

[Jen{NAR}]

I work 2nd shift and after I get their cares done and lay them down I pretty much say, " I hope you sleep well and I will see you tomorrow, good night" they usually say it back...it's a routine I have.

[10ACGIRL]

For those of you in LTC:

Do you say goodbye to your residents when you are leaving to go home?

This is for LTC in general, but demented residents in particular (especially those in locked units).

It seems like both saying goodbye and not saying goodbye cause problems. When I say goodbye to some of my residents, it tends to "rub in" the fact that I get to go home and have a whole outside life, while they are stuck there and desperate to get out (many of you know the lengths to which they will go to attempt to escape!). It makes some of them even more depressed (especially after they've just told me how bored they are and how much they hate living there) and they begin to cry.

Then, when I don't say goodbye, those same residents will be upset 15 minutes after I leave because I "walked out" on them, not caring enough to wish them a good night, etc.

What do you do? Where's the happy medium?

I say my good nights IS my good bye bcuz, I would be clocking out @ 11p anyhow. When I give assistance with showers, that is my special time with them to communicate and do some "girl talk" with female residents. I love my 'GRANDMA'S" and I know they love me too .

[LaterAlligator]

I work in a locked dementia care facility too, and don't usually say goodbye. If I do, I'll give hugs and just say "I'll see you a little later". So far very few of my residents remember anything from one day to the next, so I'd be very surprised if they recalled whether I said goodbye to them or not. I figure a "little later" is still true, so I generally stick with that.

[maggiex3]

I work in assisted living, and I work second shift so most of my residents are asleep when I go home. I always say goodnight to them before bed, and for those who are still away when I'm on my way out I say "I'll see you tomorrow" or whatever the next day I'm working is.