When I was at home last weekend, I decided to check out a local nursing facility. I grew up doing community service projects for this center and also participated in some volunteer visiting at this facility, so I was interested to see if there would be anything I would notice or be more aware of now that I am more knowledgeable of nursing facilities and long-term care.
Surprisingly, I really didn’t notice too many changes; in fact, structurally, it seemed to be exactly as I remembered it – the same uninviting environment, decorated with white walls, industrial tile floors, and basic furniture. It was, and still is, a very sterile institutionalized environment. This was one thing that I thought would possibly be different, since many facilities are starting to become more home-like. After I saw the unappealing appearance of the facilities, I couldn’t help but wonder if it affected the numbers of enrolled residents, especially since a modern new retirement home and assisted living facility was recently built just down the street that boasts an grand outer appearance which is not even in the same league.
Another thing that I noticed that I did not before was the performance, compassion, and care giving abilities of the nurses. From classes I have completed at UCF, I must say I was really able to see which nurses and CNAs loved their job and which ones did not. I noticed this by observing one of the nurses comfort a resident with a question while everyone was gathered for a group activity. I guessed that the resident did not want to partake in the game but wanted to just chat for a few minutes with this nurse who she had befriended. Seeing this really demonstrated the importance of health administrators hiring good candidates and letting go of the ones that cannot deliver the skills beyond the primary physical caring level.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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