- Excerpted in part from Riches of the Heart by Steve Goodier.
In the "Journal of the American Medical Association" Dr. Paul Ruskin demonstrated how our perception of reality determines how we feel about it.
While teaching a class on the psychological aspects of aging, he read the following case to the class:
"The patient neither speaks nor comprehends the spoken word. Sometimes she babbles incoherently for hours on end. She is disoriented about person, place and time. She does, however, respond to her name.
I have worked with her for six months, but she still shows complete disregard for her physical appearance and makes no effort to assist her own care. She must be fed, bathed and clothed by others.
Her food must be pureed, (and) her shirt is usually soiled. Her sleep pattern is erratic. Often, she wakes in the middle of the night and her screaming awakens others.
Most of the time she is happy, but several times a day she gets quite agitated without apparent cause."
😝
Dr. Ruskin asked the class how they would like caring for this person. Most said they would not like it at all.
He said, he especially enjoyed doing so -- and thought they might also. He passed a picture of the patient around for his puzzled students to see. It was his 6-month-old daughter!
Most students had already made up their minds. But the age of the patient, rather than the actual duties, made the task seem fun.
We all have tasks ahead. How will you look at them? When you think you might actually enjoy the process, you probably will!
🙂
Speaking for myself, music usually takes the sting out of household chores. Everything from Fleetwood Mac, to ABBA, to old Broadway show tunes.
What are your coping techniques?
Hugs, Myra
What a great story! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit, Kathy!
DeleteFor me, If I am mad, scrubbing the bathtub helps me get some of the frustration out. If I am stressed, taking a walk. If I'm just feeling down, I write or color. All of this helps but my only true coping method is praying.
ReplyDeleteGrace & Peace,
Pam
Scrubbing ... oooh, I feel ya! Prayer's always best.
DeletePerception is truth.
ReplyDeleteThose students had already made up their minds through the image they had made of the individual needing care. I have great respect for individuals in the medical and caring professions for the work they do looking after elderly, or people with mental disabilities.
I used to dread visiting old and sick people in hospital and care homes. It was difficult finding something to say, or to cheer them up.
Thank you for this post, Mevely. Let us pray for all who need care and those who care for them.
God bless.
Yes, there are definitely angels among us. Humbling, isn't it?
Delete😀 Nice story!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it? Thanks!
DeleteGreat story and very tricky of the teacher. All I could think as I was reading it was that's probably what my kids have to look forward to with me and my hubby lol!!
ReplyDeleteFunny girl! But ya, with the increased numbers of AD and dementia it's easy to feel the same.
Deletethe story made me think he was talking about someone in a mad house, psychotics. I was shocked when she was a baby but it fits perfectly.. great story.
ReplyDeletei am finding that the older i get the less i can cope well with just about anything. right now I am coping by using blogging to fill my days. I am tired of coping and getting worse. finding it hard to cope with Bob not able to walk and also keeping me awake the last two nights. nothing is working now
Me, too. I was bamboozled!
DeleteAmazing story, Myra! Yes, our attitudes can certainly bias us from seeing the whole picture.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
... and I fear, that's just what our enemies want.
DeleteCute story; I was thinking of someone "feeble" but caught surprised by it being a "young one." My coping skills are prayer and scripture and remembering God's promises and music is also a great soother :)
ReplyDeletebetty
That's a perfect coping mechanism ... wish I'd thought to write that. 💜
DeleteHow cute with the patient being a baby. I wouldn't mind taking care of one like that either. I agree that music is a good way to cope. It always make me feel better and more energetic.
ReplyDeleteAlmost makes a person want to find a baby to hug, doesn't it?
DeleteMusic, books plus tea. And draining my brain at the end of the day gives me complete clarity.
ReplyDeleteTwo thumbs up!
DeleteThat is an amazing story with a definite surprise ending. Coping... I know it is hard when the 'patient' is disagreeable and doesn't listen (Joe, right now). He is sick and won't go to the doctor. We both have been hit with something that came three days after our vaccinations and is going on a week now. Joe is worse than me, with a low-grade fever coming and going. I feel okay but still can't taste or smell. I hate to think what the reaction to the second shot will be like for us. Hopefully this is the worst. My BFF thinks Joe actually has covid but his breathing is fine (and he has COPD) so I still think it is just a nasty reaction to the vaccine. We had blood draws today and the nurse said lots of people are having a bad reaction to the first shot. I'm still going and would be at work if I was still working. Hoping Joe is better tomorrow! My coping mechanism is probably reading. I 'escape' in a good book.
ReplyDeleteTerri, I'm so sorry to hear this. Lifting prayers right now for a speedy turn-around.
DeleteWhat a great story! I was totally taken off guard by the answer! Of course, now it makes perfect sense. Yes, attitude is everything...and when you love someone you do what you can and make the best of it regardless. But even then, people do need a break now and then...even those young parents with the 6 month old need a break now and then. Coping, well, hmmm, maybe Lily Grace is my coping mechanism these days. She certainly does brighten my day...but I have to realistic too. There are some days that I just cannot keep playing and reality sets in...I have to be an adult again. LOL. This was great. Thank you for making me stop and think a while...I needed that exercise!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for saying that! Honestly, I wasn't so sure when I posted this.
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