Yesterday, I went to visit mum........she in new dementia care orientated care home now. We took her boyfriend ( toyboy, as it happens; but I will tell that story another day); yesterday was about Jennie (names been changed by me, just in case!), wandering into my mum's room when mum wasn't there and complaining she was cold. Mr S was busy hanging up pics so|I suggested Jennie took me to her room and we could get her a cardigan......She looked at me suspiciously but then decided to trust me and took me to her room (oh yea! I checked! It had her name on it!!!|). and so there we were discussing the various cardies she could put on and a carer came in..............I explained I was helping choose a cardie cos Jennie was cold. She got a tad defensive....I said ' all I am saying is she mentioned she was cold and we are getting her a cardie.'........She calmed down and then said ' oh whilst you here could you keep her in her room whilst I get her a cup of tea and some biscuits?? I have not managed to keep her in one place at any one time today??'
Well, what could I say|?? I agreed.........Spent 20 mins keeping Jennie interested and engaged, to the point of helping her into bed and starting to tell her bedtime story. Biscuits and tea arrived but tea too hot for me to feel safe to leave her so I kept her chatting until finally she able to drink tea and then snooze............
I crept out and met carer in hallway....
'Great job' , says the carer 'Now can you see if you as work as well with Joyce?
'Eh?'...I say ( am not the quickest one off the block as they say)
'She next door and complaining you spent too much time with Jennie...It is all very well communicating with one or two, but you have to relate them to them all, that is all I am saying, ........having said that, I think you will do well here.......you have the knack.......well done...'
Honestly, I don't know who was most embarrassed when I 'fessed up I was just a visitor for the grumpy one a few doors down!!
I was asked if I would like to put my name down for the next round of vacancies....there is not a smiley for shoot me now, is there????????
Well, what could I say|?? I agreed.........Spent 20 mins keeping Jennie interested and engaged, to the point of helping her into bed and starting to tell her bedtime story. Biscuits and tea arrived but tea too hot for me to feel safe to leave her so I kept her chatting until finally she able to drink tea and then snooze............
I crept out and met carer in hallway....
'Great job' , says the carer 'Now can you see if you as work as well with Joyce?
'Eh?'...I say ( am not the quickest one off the block as they say)
'She next door and complaining you spent too much time with Jennie...It is all very well communicating with one or two, but you have to relate them to them all, that is all I am saying, ........having said that, I think you will do well here.......you have the knack.......well done...'
Honestly, I don't know who was most embarrassed when I 'fessed up I was just a visitor for the grumpy one a few doors down!!
I was asked if I would like to put my name down for the next round of vacancies....there is not a smiley for shoot me now, is there????????