Inappropriate Behavior

Published

In an LTC facility, the residents will often ask for hugs...I don't have a problem giving hugs! My question is an activity aide (female) giving hugs and kisses on the cheeks when the residents don't ask for it. Can this be considered inappropriate or infringing on the residents rights? I'm still a CNA student and want to learn the correct way to behave around residents.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh Lord...people need to take a chill pill. Why make something more of a situation than there really is. I am pretty sure if you mentioned it to the administration, her *^& would be fired the next day. Do really want her to lose her job over something really petty?:banghead:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Kissing residents on the cheek? Run her out of town!

I bet she drops linen on the floor too!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

Unless the residents are complaining, don't say anything. It's still within the rights of an alert and oriented resident to speak for themselves. If the residents are not A&O, how to you know the hugs are not wanted? Physical contact such as hugs can be very therapeutic. Many residents who are not A&O still need and benefit from physical contact, but can't express that need.

If you are not comfortable giving hugs to those who don't ask, then don't. It's very simple. But as you said, you're still a student and that activity aide has probably worked there and knows the residents much better than you do. Be concerned with your own behavior.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Im sure she/he knows then very well to give kisses on the cheek. Hugs, I can see anyone giving but a kiss is much more personal. Im also sure the residents that don't like it have told him/her so. Affection is appreciated across all stages of life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics, dementia, ortho.

I give my residents hugs and kisses on the cheek or forehead, and let them do the same to me if I'm comfortable with them doing so (and they don't have a cold or pureed food on their face :clown:). Once you work somewhere for a while, you'll know which residents care for physical affection and which ones don't. I work part-time in dementia care, so often physical contact (holding hands, patting backs, etc) is the way that these people are most able to communicate and express/recieve affection. Heck, I even have a few little old ladies who'll pat me on the tush as they wander by. It's all fine with me, as long as it's clearly nonsexual and nonthreatening. Just watch and learn, you'll get the feel of your facility's culture around this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I give my residents hugs and kisses on the cheek or forehead, and let them do the same to me if I'm comfortable with them doing so (and they don't have a cold or pureed food on their face :clown:). Once you work somewhere for a while, you'll know which residents care for physical affection and which ones don't. I work part-time in dementia care, so often physical contact (holding hands, patting backs, etc) is the way that these people are most able to communicate and express/recieve affection. Heck, I even have a few little old ladies who'll pat me on the tush as they wander by. It's all fine with me, as long as it's clearly nonsexual and nonthreatening. Just watch and learn, you'll get the feel of your facility's culture around this.

Scandalous... you should be run out of town!!! How appalling :rotfl:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I give most all of my residents hugs and kisses. And despite the fact that none of them can talk or ASK for hugs or kisses (I work with disabled kids), that little bit of affection makes them so happy. In a lot of cases, we are the closest thing to family these residents have, and all humans need a little affection, and to feel cared for.

Yeah, according to the state and your class teachings, that is probably "inappropriate behavior" or "unprofessional", but the day I treat my residents in such a formal manner that a kiss on the cheek is inappropriate, or call them "Mr. Lastname" because calling them by name or a nickname is "unprofessional" is the day I will resign from my job. A hospital is a little different, but in LTC, this is the resident's home. Can you imagine living without any affection?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wouldn't kiss anyone unless I had swabbed their cheek with an alcohol swab.

lol...

seriously.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I wouldn't kiss anyone unless I had swabbed their cheek with an alcohol swab.

lol...

seriously.

I don't get thinking like that. Unless the person has a cold or something, why not? It's not like being old or disabled is contagious...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Some of my residents like to give me kisses and hugs. I really don't mind, and I think that all people need a little love. Sometimes just holding a person's hand can really make their day. I don't think it's inappropriate that she's hugging/kissing them. If she's been working there for a while, then I figure she must know them quite well.

Like yousoldtheworld said, we're the closest thing they have to family. I never go a day without seeing at least a couple of people at the LTC side visiting their parents just because they have to. How much would that hurt after all those years if you were a resident and your children were just waiting for you to croak so they can take your house or money?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.
I don't get thinking like that. Unless the person has a cold or something, why not? It's not like being old or disabled is contagious...

Speak for yourself. I work in a nursing home with old people and I get older EVERY SINGLE DAY!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion