Holidays=Sad Residents,What would you say

[lil' girl, LPN]

At our LTC many of our residents are so sad this time of year. I had one the other night in tears because her family was running around preparing for Christmas and she couldn't be with them. I tried my best to comfort her, listen, and help her through it, but I still felt really inadequate when it came right down to it. What do you say to your residents?

[sharona97, BSN, RN]

I've held there hands and just listened and at times handed them kleenix after kleenix. Also big hugs. I beleive in physical touch to help the (resident), patient know they have my full attention. But that may be only me , who knows. I usually end up tearing up with them. Lonliness is so heartfelt and sad.

I think you are doing more than you know!:balloons:

[tattooednursie, LVN]

I've held there hands and just listened and at times handed them kleenix after kleenix. Also big hugs. I beleive in physical touch to help the (resident), patient know they have my full attention. But that may be only me , who knows. I usually end up tearing up with them. Lonliness is so heartfelt and sad.

I think you are doing more than you know!:balloons:

Exactly what I was going to say. Just being there, and letting them know that you truly care really does make a world of difference

[nursemary9, BSN, RN]

I've held there hands and just listened and at times handed them kleenix after kleenix. Also big hugs. I beleive in physical touch to help the (resident), patient know they have my full attention. But that may be only me , who knows. I usually end up tearing up with them. Lonliness is so heartfelt and sad.

I think you are doing more than you know!:balloons:

This is exactly what I thought about.

Even tho I don't work LTC, I get a lot of the same emotions from our pt's.

Many of my pt's are from LTC facilities. so they have the same issues plus many of them al;so miss there facilities when they are in the hospital for the Holidays.

I have sat with pt's & hugged them also. I, too, believe in the physical touch. If I'm working any part of the holiday, I try to bring little gifts or cards to the pt's, also.

[ebear, BSN, RN]

I don't know how y'all do LTC! this is one of the reasons. God Bless you who take the time to care. It would just break my heart!

ebear

[sjt9721, BSN, RN]

I haven't worked LTC, but have taken care of many LTC residents/elderly folks in the ED/inpatient areas during the holidays.

As others have mentioned, taking time & listening are certainly valuable gifts. I've found that many enjoy reminiscing (sp?) about some of their favorite holiday memories. We've shared family traditions, funny stories, even recipes!

I believe you're doing more for the residents than you realize.

[GregRN]

I linked to this thread from the front page of allnurses.com and didn't realize it was the Geriatric section. Not to spoil the mood but when I read the thread title: "Sad Residents, what would you say" I kept thinking it was about Medical Residents...the doctors. I was so confused. Go back and read the responses in the thread from that perspective and it really changes things. Holding their hand, just listening, handing them Kleenex...the whole things seemed odd to me. It wasn't until someone posted something about LTC that I finally figured it out.

Sorry. It's been a long week...

[sharona97, BSN, RN]

I linked to this thread from the front page of allnurses.com and didn't realize it was the Geriatric section. Not to spoil the mood but when I read the thread title: "Sad Residents, what would you say" I kept thinking it was about Medical Residents...the doctors. I was so confused. Go back and read the responses in the thread from that perspective and it really changes things. Holding their hand, just listening, handing them Kleenex...the whole things seemed odd to me. It wasn't until someone posted something about LTC that I finally figured it out.

Funny, but I get where you're coming from. I'd also bet most of us would hand you kleenix after kleenix after a long week!

[JohnBearPA]

I am a nurse at aLTC. heres a few tips I've picked up over the years.

I always try to have a smile on my face. Being cheerful and happy is contagious.

I bring in some Christmas cd's or tapes, and decorate my nurses station and med cart.

I make time and sit with my residents when I sense they need an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. No matter how busy I am, make the time, it's in everyone's best interest.

I attend as many holiday programs at my facility that I can, even if they aren't on my shift, and help with the resident needs at the programs.

I sometimes get a few little "presents" for my residents. You can recycle gifts here pretty easily.

bring in treats from home if you can, or buy cookies at the store if you can't cook.

Most importantly, don't trivialize their feelings or think that it's not important to them to be heard and have their feelings accepted. They have the same needs, wants, hopes and dreams that we do.

Remember, " there but for the grace of God go I."

Merry Christmas everyone, and God Bless you ALL!

[10ACGIRL]

At our LTC many of our residents are so sad this time of year. I had one the other night in tears because her family was running around preparing for Christmas and she couldn't be with them. I tried my best to comfort her listen, and help her through it, but I still felt really inadequate when it came right down to it. What do you say to your residents?[/quote']I would be doing the same thing that you were making attempt to do......Console Them! I am feeling a bit guilty right now myself since I read this. I just might wanna go and visit an ALF 2morrow just to b a comfort.

[Jo Dirt]

Holidays are depressing to me, too.

[lil' girl, LPN]

Holidays are depressing to me, too.

I am sorry about that. Since you didn't elaborate I won't ask why (don't want to invade your space). But I hope it gets better for you.