11/24/2023
Warning Long post:
When you leave your loved ones in a Nursing Home, just know that they become family to the staff that works there. We are with them when you can’t be. We get to learn their quirks; what makes them upset, what makes them feel safe, what calms them down and how they like their coffee 🤣. We know when you visit things may seem chaotic but it’s just a glimpse into what we do with what little we have, but we give it our all so that they feel loved when you are not around.
Day in and day out, we talk, we laugh, we cry and we console them when they ask why you haven’t come to visit. We go out of our way and get them things to make them feel comfortable. We dance, we play games, buy them their favorite snacks and enjoy a friendship so unfiltered.
At the end of the day when it’s all said and done we’re left with an empty bed as a reminder of who they use to be to us and what they meant to us. I like to take the time and reverence the empty bed and cherish the memories before having to get it together, wipe my tears, put on a smile and go bring joy to the others that are still with us. We never fully grieve our losses, we have to keep moving.
Some families appreciate us and some never feel like we’re doing enough. Regardless, we still show up and do our best to make these twilight years the best they possibly can be.
Next time you see an unmade bed while visiting a Nursing home but still see the staff laughing and taking care of the residents, just know there is so much more going on behind those smiles.
