Leighange

Our LTCH would definitely benefit from more volunteers, so many have tried to recruit more but have been unsuccessful. The hardest part is sitting with him and trying to make conversation as it can feel very uncomfortable... after so many questions you don't know what else to ask.

Yes this was trialed and he would smoke half a cigarette and bring the other half indoors. It was too hard for staff to keep track of the cigarettes and lighters he was not handing in and bringing to his room. He was given e-cigs but does not use them.

It's very difficult when it comes to conversation as I am the only one talking, he had a stroke and says yes and no mostly along with the random curse word. Lol But yes I do ramble on some. :0) ty

You are right. Depression does cause a person to withdraw from socialization. I have been doing just that, being friendly, offering the items of pocket pictures and pillow case of his wife's picture to help ease his pain and give him some sort of comfort. My issue is, that in my role I am not to be considered a "friendly visitor". I am to work with the behaviours that are present and be a "detective" to try and figure out why he is doing the things he is doing and come up with an intervention and then mentor the staff. I realize that the reason he is ringing +++ and wanting to be in bed is because he is depressed, lonely and probably afraid of being alone. The expectations of my role are to come up with ideas to support him and stop the excessive ringing. I offer him to go outside and to attend activities but it's only an option. I do encourage the music, puzzles, books/magazines, tv, made pocket pictures and ordered the pillow case. He will receive counselling soon but I am at a loss for more ideas. :0( There is only so much a person can do for someone grieving and depressed. He does have a brother that visits often.

I am presently working with a gentlemen in LTC who has recently lost his wife and also has recently lost his priviledges to smoke due to lighting up in his room after many warnings. He is definitely depressed but speaks very little and is in a w/c due to stroke so struggles with communication. He does have a picture communication book for staff to utilize and he has laminated pocket pictures of his wife as well as a pillow case with a picture of her on it. He is very lonely but does not want to attend or engage in any activities nor will he go outside because he cannot smoke. He has music in his room that he will listen to at times. He rings constantly for staff and wants to be in bed most of the time. He will start with an older adults counsellor soon but do you have any other intervention ideas? Thank you