Always Caught ... Part 2

I hope I haven’t built this up too much! I just don’t like writing really long posts… Anyway back at the ranch, uhh nursing home.
The activity director, “Adele,” cannot adequately be described without the use of language I’d be embarrassed to say! She’s in charge of planning daily activities for all three sections of the facility. I know – not an easy task, BUT THAT’S HER JOB!! She seems to do all right with the independent and assisted living groups, but the healthcare unit is sadly lacking. She doesn’t seem to understand that these people need stimulation and easy activities. Some of the crafts cannot be done by the majority, some topics listed are merely computer printouts being read to sleeping patients, and some of her staff are so lacking in skills!

When we were first there, four years ago now, the activity person, “Lily,” was a gem! She knew how to deal with the people, and if a project was listed that seemed too difficult, she had the ability to adapt it for the residents. The people loved her and she was kind and gentle with them in return. As the admiration for her increased, the director’s animosity toward her did likewise. No matter what Lily did, Adele found fault with it, and she eventually fired Lily on a trumped up charge. Then there were a series of know-nothing, do-nothing activity people, who usually quit in a short time. Whenever a really good person came along, and the residents and families liked her, you can be sure Adele would find away to fire her. I know, the pay isn’t great, but some people just have a knack for this kind of work.

I must add, also, that Adele rarely visits the healthcare section, unless it’s to show off. She’s a total phony, doesn’t know the residents’ names, and acts as if she’s the Queen of New Jersey! Once a really good worker, Chelsea, told us they were having a bake sale to raise some funds for new activity material. I offered to bake some things to help out, but then the date was changed without notice, and none of my baking was needed. Chelsea apologized profusely, and told me Adele did it to spite me! I never offered again. I also tried to offer a suggestion once, and was told Adele didn’t like the idea. So, I pretty much stayed away from activities and just took my mom if there was a singer or other music.

Then they hired the worst of the bunch – Grace – last year. She can’t remember people’s names, has no crafting ability, can hardly read, and struts around like a little general. I basically just stayed away from her. Then last fall, I learned that she wasn’t giving my mother any ice cream at the little socials. I asked her why, and she said my mother’s diet didn’t allow it. So, I checked with her doctor, who assured me there was no such restriction. (This seems so small, but ice cream is one of Mother’s favorites, and she enjoys those little treats.) I told Grace to be sure my mom got her little sundaes.

A few months ago, another fantastic worker was hired, and everyone fell in love with her. “Ally” intuits the needs of the residents and treats them as family. She goes out of her way for these people, and she’s a true angel. Of course that means that Adele treats her like cr*%! I’ve seen her berate Ally in public, and the poor girl is at the mercy of Grace. Last week, Ally was getting ready to give my mother her ice cream, when Grace said she couldn’t have any – again! Ally apologized, but said she had to follow Grace’s directives. I went back to the doctor to see if anything had changed, and she decided to take thing into her own hands. Well that must have set off a few explosions, because I heard from Chelsea that all Hades was breaking out, and I’m being painted as the cause! Grace is blaming Ally for every little mistake, Grace is playing up to me, and even Adele came over to butter me up. All I wanted was ice cream for my mother.

Fortunately, I have our yearly care conference next month, and I plan to make this one of our discussion topics. Sorry…I just needed to vent!

Peace,
Muff