Patient with a Displeased Attitude

[hookyarnandblanket]

One of our long term care patients is a lady who is quite particular and not happy she is here. Today, she asked me to walk her to the dining room at 0700; I walked her there and an hour later, she told the nurse we brought her down too early. She is unhappy with everything we do, even when it is something she asked us to do.

Any tips or tricks to dealing with this? It sours the mood of an otherwise good morning. We do explain that she makes requests and we fulfill them and we know she doesn't want to be here, but it's affecting other patients now, too.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

When I worked at a nursing home I knew my residents' favorite hobbies, foods, etc. When they were in crabby moods I'd sit them in front of the tv and play their favorite movie or show, have them do a puzzle, sit them with a group of their friends, play their favorite music, etc. With one lady, I was pretty much the only person that was incredibly patient with her. I always had a great attitude with her, brought her breakfast to her room so I knew that she'd eat something, play her favorite music, do her hair, etc. She loved me and was very appreciative but would refuse cares or get upset with others. I'd just go above and beyond with your problem patient. Good luck :)

[hookyarnandblanket]

If we didn't have so many acute care and skilled patients who are two assist and not working short, we could pamper her lime she wants. However, over half of current patients are max assist and we are down 2 CNAs, plus I am in charge of the restorative department (i.e., I *am* the restorative department. We can't cater to her like assisted living or LTC; there isn't enough of us to go around.

[hookyarnandblanket]

I didn't mean to be snarky, so I apologize for my tone. We are currently spread thin so that excellent care we give is critical and going above and beyond is nearly impossible with the acuity we have at the moment.

[Vtachy1]

I think you just have to do your best and know that her brain is not getting the circulation and blood supply it needs. She has mood disturbances maybe and you just have to really not take it to heart. The disease process or maybe just aging affects so many psych health aspects. She may have severe depression? Just nod and give her a listening ear and hold her hand. Can you report it to your nurses? Maybe she has been like this her entire life too? I know a couple that are NEVER happy. I totally quit going places because it is so embarrassing at restaurants and vacations. Literally they complain and whine no matter what. I am the world's worst at this but if there is some way to let it slide off and not take it so personal and just do your very best. Hold her hand, comfort her, listen, ask her what she prefers. There is no way to please everyone. You are a superhero don't be hard on yourself, everyone else does a beautiful job on that sometimes LOL! I wish everyone loved their residents as much as you do!!

[Kiki1970]

I enjoy winning over residents like that. A pat on arm, a kind word of understanding to them, a smile too will do wonders, may not happen overnight. It could take time or like another posted, her mind isn't what it used to be, just let it roll off your back and keep the compassion in your heart no matter how hard it is to do when you're doing fifty million things at once.

She's in a difficult place in life and is probably trying to process that. Let her have her moods and try not to let it change yours.

Maybe the RN can talk to the physician about her frame of mind also.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

On the other hand, some people are happiest when they are miserable.

[CVICU-Nurse1.5]

Realize you can do everything for someone and they can still be miserable and try to drag others down with them. Only persons happiness you are responsible for is your own.