Care homes

[Northern Lass]

Did anyone see that programme the other nite about Care homes
It centred on a Care home don't know where, and I only caught the tail end.
But this guy Sir Gerry ..can't remember his surname
went in with the idea of sorting it out

It was awful!!
They gave a comparison of one that was functioning brilliantly and the lady at the helm was inspirational!
The other one was dreadful!

These care homes are the places that those that we have loved end their days.
The one featured had dementia patients and ended up being closed down.

I felt so sorry for those inside.
We used to visit care homes when I was in the choir....shut up Robbie!! and they used to grab us and beg us to come again
I think it was Come again maybe it was don't come again...

But I was so angry with this programme and the way these people were treated.
I would never want my kids to have to look after me esp if I suffered from dementia...don't say anything anyone!!
but to go into a souless place would be worse than death itself

[Teifi]

Yes I saw this too - the 'care' home featured was on the outskirts of Leicester.

The other home featured was somewhere down South I think. However the residents there were actively engaged in all sorts of hobbies/occupations and the staff came over as so caring, and as you say Jan, the manager was a revelation. She really cared about the people in her care and ensured her staff did too.

Whereas in Leicester ---------- oh dear.

Did you see in the film where Sir Gerry Robinson together with the director of the managing company turned up late at night unannounced? I was amazed - they were able to walk straight in and started to looked around the 'home' and no one challenged them. A visit to the nursing station revealed one of the night staff asleep on the settee and the other appearing a read a book with the television on. Some of the patients were even locked in their rooms (although they did say that some had asked for this), although what transpired later could have been the reason.

Despite efforts to make life easier for the residents (I'd have changed the manager for a start) there were suggestions that some of the residents had been abused and the home was shut down. It was heartbreaking to see all these old folks being loaded onto ambulances, their belongings in bin liners being driven off - I was in tears.

I'd like a follow up programme to know how these poor people settled into new and hopefully better surroundings.

[linell]

What I noticed from these homes is how they all share each other's clothes! One day you would be wearing something that was worn by another person every day the previous week, don't know about the undies, wonder if they get shared too

Linell.

[grangers14]

I didnt see the programme. It doesnt suprise me though!
My Dad went in to a nursing home, I would rather him been looked after at home but my Mum felt she couldnt do it. Mum used to go each morning to feed him his breakfast and I went each lunch time and tea time, Mum would go back on the evening. I helped the nurses when he needed turning and changing, washed and shaved him. They had very little to do really.
One day I had fed him his lunch, hed been changed and before I left I tucked him in and positioned his hands. On my return at tea time he was in the dark, his lunch tray still there and he had not been moved or changed from when I did it. I was so furious
My poor Dad.
I did write a letter of complaint and they did apologise but he should never have been left like that. When I worked I looked after people as though they were my own and would never have neglet anyone.
There was a poem I read years ago about elderly people, I'll try and find it. The words are so true.
Jo

[grangers14]

This is that poem, a bit long but worth a read.
Theres a few versions of it,
An Old Lady's Poem

What do you see, nurses, what do you see?

What are you thinking when you're looking at me?

A crabby old woman, not very wise,
uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles her food and makes no reply,
when you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"

Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
and forever is losing a stocking or shoe.....

Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
with bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....

Is that what you're thinking?

Is that what you see?

Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
as I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.

I'm a small child of ten ...with a father and mother,
brothers and sisters, who love one another.

A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.

A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
remembering the vows that I promised to keep.

At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
who need me to guide and a secure happy home.

A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
bound to each other with ties that should last.

At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
but my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.

At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
again we know children, my loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.

For my young are all rearing young of their own,
and I think of the years and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old woman ...and nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.

The body, it crumbles, grace and vigour depart,
there is now a stone where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
and now and again my battered heart swells.

I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
and I'm loving and living life over again.

I think of the years ......all too few, gone too fast,
and accept the stark fact that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, people, open and see,
not a crabby old woman; look closer ...see ME!!



Remember this poem when you next meet an old person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within...

[Annie]

I would also be interested in a follow up programme to see what happens to the poor souls it's so sad when they don't get them involved in hobbies .

I visit a elderly neighbour who's just gone into a nursing home and that home comes over as dull and not welcoming at all.

What a lovely poem Grangers so very true and sad.


Annie

[Teifi]

Jo -

That is the most beautiful poem - and so true.

My friend's grandmother is in a home not far from here and the petty restrictions make her so mad. She was told off recently in no uncertain terms for helping her grandmother change her jumper because she'd spilt her coffee down the front and was distressed about it. She was told believe it or not - that it was an infringement of a patient's dignity - and must not happen again. Bear in mind that this happened in her grandmother's private room!!!

Seems they prefer to have residents sitting in damp and possibly grubby clothes - they still take the £600 per week though.

Teifi

[gardener]

I seem to recall that in Lost for Words by Derick Someone, he said things improved when he took in a framed photo of his mother as a young and lovely woman. then the staff seemed to see her as a person.

My sister in law works in an old peoples' home here and I know when they had a staff trip to canada she was horrified to find how the staff there had to struggle without lifting equipment and all the things that she takes for granted. The homes here all seem to have a lot of social activities going on and many elderly choose a home even though they could carry on longer at home, just so they have company. Can't say I see myself in a choir and dancing in my old age but nice to know that I will be cared for if need be.

[Northern Lass]

I think there are 2 types of homes there are the nursing/ care homes
and then the assisted homes like the extra care ones
The assisted ones look great we have one near us and I would move in tomorrow!

I suppose it is like anywhere if you don't have someone brilliant running it that enthusiasm won't filter
down the ranks!

The hospitals can be just as bad my time in there I was disgusted with some of the care
we received, and the older ladies I felt so sorry for !
But our ward rebellion is another story!

[dianel]

Oh, tell, tell, NL!

[Teifi]

Yes - go on then!

[Northern Lass]

Yes - go on then!

When we all meet up next year I will tell you then

[Teifi]

We'll keep you to that NL!