apropos virginia's musings, the current Atlantic Monthly has a short story by alison baker ("happy hour") regarding that sometime-inevitable state of life under nursing home care.
you can still read it for free here: http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2003/01/baker.htm
(or go here -- http://www.theatlantic.com/unbound/fiction/ -- and click on "happy hour").
ariela
> Nobody wants to be in a nursing home or does any caring family want their
> loved one in a nursing home. We had ot choice when Ted was released from
> hospital. I wanted a different home, but this one was the only one with
> space.
>
> AS it turns out, it has worked out well. ALL staff is kind and caring and
> responsive. Yes, they can't appear instantly upon ringing the bell. But
> theyd do the best they can. and they remain cheerful. One man across the
> hall makes me so angry ... he won't ring bell, calls out for help and if CNA
> is working with Ted, wants her (or him) to stop and go to him. ONe night as
> they were coming around with treats, he wanted more of something. Nurse (and
> it was the prescription nurse) said, after I see that the other patients have
> some I'll come back. He replied "I don't care about them". She was so upset
> because he didn't care about the other patients and she did, but she remained
> reasonably polite while I wanted to tell him off. When I figure out a nice
> and/or productive way to do it , I will. I nag him about pushing the button
> and idt does happen sometimes now. ALso in the dining room another
> "gentlemen", said "Hey, girl, you were supposed tot ake me back. He treated
> her like dirt and she is pleasant and works hard.
>
> Virginia Christiansen
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