It is most interesting and fascinating. I have always known I am very good with the elderly but I did not know my effect on them.

At my former work place, caregivers would warn me about residents who had been mean all day, wreaking havoc, leaving them drained at the end of the day. The first time that happened, the resident saw me and instantly relaxed, smiled and was never nicer. The other caregivers were her enemy. I was friend. Her friend was there, everything will be all right and she relaxed.

Another day, it was a different resident and this one could get very mean. Even her favorite caregiver, a young lad, was not able to handle her. Again I was warned about the situation. That resident suffered from some kind of schizophrenia. Her most loved caregivers had turned into enemies for her.

I went about my work, all the while thinking, how do I deal with this situation? An idea came to me. I brought her a list of her medication and showed it to her. She had been complaining about not being informed about medication she was taking. She calmed down immediately and was her old self again, warm, friendly and chatty and went into her stories again.

I often left the residents in the morning, happily congregating, chatting and waiting for breakfast. I realize I have a unique touch with residents. At the moment it boils down to the fact, they do not appear able to get angry with me.

One day it might happen and then I will say, good for my ego. It will keep me humble. 🙂