To Feel Respected

"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.” 

                                                                                             Sophocles

 

          We don’t often think of the daily duties of our nursing assistant staff as being sacred.  But, providing intimate personal care to a frail elder really is a holy act.  In a research study, staff, residents, and families in nursing homes were interviewed.  One theme that emerged was that elders often felt a lack of physical integrity.¹  The inability to perform activities of daily living can be demoralizing and can lead to depression or withdrawal. 

          What can help our residents maintain a sense of physical integrity is receiving assistance in a compassionate and caring manor.  When staff is abrupt or don’t take the time to talk to residents while providing care, residents can feel like a burden.  Having a consistent trusted caregiver can be a blessing to a nursing home resident.  As leaders we must foster the sacred relationship that staff members have with the residents.  We must acknowledge the need for consistent assignment of caregivers and reward the caring and compassionate acts of our staff.  This is a way to improve the quality of resident life.