I'm mad and sad(about pt's family)

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I started clinical at a long term care facility last week, I took care of a 84 year old pt for two days. He requires full ADL. He's still very sharp. he told us about stories of his life and he's so nice to us students.

on his bed table are pics of his three daughters and grandchildren, they are decent looking ppl but none of them have ever visited him. I found an unopened card from his friends in his draw and read it to him. He has tears in his eyes. when i asked whether his daughters visit often, he said no.

I'm sad and mad about his daughters, do they just put their parent in a nursing home and never remeber about him? are they so busy that they can't find any time to visit? This makes me really mad. maybe I'm just too ideal and sentimental.

Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.
many have had to cut one or both parents out of their lives in order to live a healthy life. that's both very difficult and very sad. but then to have someone in a "helping profession" comment on their "lack of concern", "lack of caring", failure to visit or whatever is not only very hurtful, it's very ignorant.

it's like the immigrant respiratory therapist who said to me, years ago after i'd finally left the abusive husband who tried to kill me, "you're nothing without a husband. you ought to be on your knees begging him to take you back." i understand that his culture was different, but damn! i was already in pain and doubting myself; it took me years to get over that comment and i never did forgive that rt.

ruby, you just give us his address. i have some land and a shovel...

of course i am kidding, but my goodness! what in the heck?!? i am so sorry someone was so insensitive to you. you are no doubt much better off now, and i hope that you have peace and resolution in your life after that horrible experience. hugging you!:hug:

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