ChristineRoberts

Chrissy, Never feel as if you have let your residents down. I will always remember the words of one of my residents when I was feeling the way you do now. She said, "if you make one of us smile once a day then you know you have done your job" I vowed to make them laugh many times in a day and I have kept my promise now for nearly 20 years I know sometimes it doesn't feel like a job and other times when you feel everybody is against you and nobody understands. My advice is 'get used to it'. Don't burn yourself out with others thinking. Remember you're there for the residents not the staff, families, or anyone else but them. Put on a happy face and make them smile. Activites don't have to cost a lot of money. Ask your local stores for donations and ask the staff and families, and friends to donate things they want to get rid of and have a garage sale. Ideas are endless. I have ebooks for sale at www.cognitive-therapeutic-programs.com that require the minimum to complete. Residents have often told me 'one mans garbage is another mans gold'. So get to it and staff making money. Good luck and let me know what happens. info@cognitive-therapeutic-programs.com Christine

I agree with the other comments, it's not appropriate for a coordinator to take them but suggest to the men that they ask their families to take them. I remember playing a video for my residents and there was a scene which I didn't fell comfotable with so I fast forwarded it. Thinking that there would be no discussion regarding the matter I settled back to finish viewing the movie. Peace was not to be mine because a resident had other ideas. Pushing her chair directly infront of the television she asked why I had done such a thing and if I felt they were to young and innocent to watch that part of the movie. Seriously, I rewound the video to the scene in question and sat back and enjoyed it with the 80 and 90 year olds watching it with me. A movie love scene can be okay but the strip club it to much. Christine

Good day one and all, My name is Christine Roberts and I have spent the last 19+ years of my life working in LTC. I have worked with people from 6 - 106. Many of these people have been mentally and physically impaired by a variety of illnesses. My speciality is with the moderate to sever cognitively impaired. I feel and have been told that I am good at my job anfd that it shows when I am working with my clientele. Over the years I have seen many clients come and go and I am greatful to each and everyone of them for that special spot that they touched in my life. I know I have made a difference in their lives as well. If it were not for this knowledge I would have burnt out many years ago. I am excited to be a member of this forum and look forward to sharing ideas and concerns with the other professionals here. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from someone soon. Christine