Tova's Workplace Blog

 Today was a cloudy day. As expected, most of the people in the home were tired and cranky and didn't want to be pulled out of bed. I had manicures and hand massages on the program this morning, and as I came to the floor, two were dozing lightly, but were roused when I said good morning. One more resident was pulled out of her cozy room due to construction (placing new air conditioners in rooms) and she wasn't very pleased. I offered her a mini hand bath and massage, which she loves.  I said to her, "you know, on grey days like these, I feel like it's better to just go with it, don't feel like you need to be inspired or motivated. Take a nap, get a hand massage, you know..." And she said, "that's right", and laughed.  It's nice when I learn from these people, having lived through everything already, they have a lot of simple reminders to tell me.  And then on some days, I'm there to give them that right back.  Just go with it. 

 Today was a strange day. I had the unpleasant responsibility of catching the cat and putting her into the carrier at work to take her to the vet. That stressed me out a lot. Then when I came back I went to do friendly visits as part of the activities in the afternoon. I wanted to try some of the validation therapy techniques and use it for people in the home who are at late stage in dementia.  I spent some time stroking this one woman's hair and cheek, forehead very gently as a mother would. It was relaxing to her. She eventually closed her eyes. I did this gradually and slowly, by first telling her that I'd touch her hand, then her arm, then eventually without speaking, I moved to her hair. I said "hi, __" to the woman a few times to let her know that I was there with her. She responded so well. She started to, relax and closed her eyes and actually turned her face towards my hand stroking her. I moved onto another woman of the same late stage, only because she some

 Today was a good day. I spent most of my energy focusing on what mattered to me: giving people a chance to feel strong and supported and satisfied in their day. I encouraged one resident to play bingo with limited vision. All she needed was someone to point in the direction of the number to cover, and she was happy. I took our sourpuss resident out for a walk and she remembered my name, and asked me about myself, for the first time ever. Then she thanked me afterwords in a gentle voice and I felt very very lucky. Ok. That was all. 

 For those of you who don't know what this is, google "Naomi Feil". (truly an assett and role model to the gerontology field) I am hoping this is my next movement forwards within the gerontology sector. I have a lot of passions, but after having a serious conversation with myself on whether or not I wanted to be more involved in advocating for a better future (at this point?! Canada is super fucked for the next four years, thanks PC dickwads) and I really find it so utterly depressing and futile, so no, I want to make a difference in people's lives, I want to continue loving them and showing them that they are cared for.  Yes burnout rates are high in this field. Yes becoming a therapist means a whole new shit show of unsolved problems that will frustrate me to no end. But at the end of the day, I want to help people feel good about themselves, help them to feel whole during my time with them, give them a sense of acomplishment or fun or even just loving care. Heck if

 This was a spur of the moment idea because we had so little time to plan a better arts and crafts program. I got this idea off of activity connection, did it with my residents, and then said to my coworker, "wouldn't it be nice if we just collected their art and then showcased them in an art gallery in the home?" Which lead to our new plan: September art showcase with "in residence" artists on display. You just never know what a boring craft program could lead to! Also, all of these people have dementia of some form or another, but look at the expression in their painting.

 Amidst my frustrating morning and anxieties around the woman I assist with mealtimes at the LTC,  I tried my best to find a place of calm. The day panned out. Some fun things occured. I had ordered an ESL book for a resident who'd been super patient, and it felt like a huge win, only to find out it was too complex for him and his wife who'd visited to understand. Back to the grindstone with that. I got through my day. I visited my residents to find out who'd like to participate in bible study in June, and what topics they felt were most important to them. I popped in on my favourite people. One of them is a gentleman who I can tell has love in his heart for me, but I cannot pursue it as my professional obligations restrict that kind of relationship. I always try to redirect it to a platonic place of mutual care, but today he wanted a hug. He gently put his hands on my mid back while I hugged him. I don't say no to hugs at work, just because we all know how integral hum