A Resident's View on the Nursing Home Environment and Staffing

Summary

Roger Boston, a retired Air Force veteran and former school teacher, reflects on his life and experiences in a care center. After 21 years in the Air Force and a fulfilling career as a teacher, he finds himself in a care center due to the aftermath of a stroke that left him unable to walk. Despite this, Roger expresses appreciation for the dedicated staff and the clean, supportive environment. He encourages residents to appreciate their time in the care center, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude and enjoying the small joys of life, despite the challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Roger Boston grew up on a small farm near Parma, Idaho, and worked various odd jobs before joining the Air Force.
• 😀 He served 21 years in the Air Force before retiring and using his G.I. Bill to get a college education.
• 😀 After college, Roger became a school teacher, a profession he held for 19 years.
• 😀 Roger was also the executive officer of Arizona DeMolay for five years before deciding to retire and enjoy life.
• 😀 Roger’s current situation involves living in a care center due to losing the use of his legs after a stroke.
• 😀 While living in the care center, Roger prefers being with his wife, but he values the care center staff's support.
• 😀 The care center is exceptionally clean, which Roger attributes to the dedicated staff's hard work.
• 😀 The staff is highly qualified and familiar with residents' needs, making it easier to work together.
• 😀 Staff members are attentive and go above and beyond to assist residents, showing compassion in their care.
• 😀 Roger believes the staff must listen to the residents and address their concerns to provide excellent care.
• 😀 Residents should avoid taking out their frustrations on the staff and instead try to enjoy their time at the care center.
• 😀 Roger encourages residents to embrace the positive aspects of life in the care center, even if it's not ideal.

Q & A

What was Roger Boston's early life like?

Roger Boston was born on a small farm near Parma, Idaho. He worked odd jobs for several years before joining the Air Force.

How long did Roger serve in the Air Force, and what did he do afterward?

Roger served in the Air Force for 21 years. After retiring, he used his G.I. bill to get a college education and then became a school teacher for 19 years.

What position did Roger Boston hold after his teaching career?

After teaching, Roger became the executive officer of Arizona DeMolay for five years.

What is Roger's current living situation?

Roger is currently living in a care center, where he mentions that he would prefer to be with his wife in her casita, but he is unable to walk due to the effects of a stroke.

How does Roger feel about the staff in the care center?

Roger appreciates the staff in the care center, highlighting their qualifications and dedication to their work. He values the fact that they check on residents frequently and go above and beyond to help.

What does Roger say about the cleanliness of the care center?

Roger notes that the care center is exceptionally clean and doesn't have the usual smell associated with care centers. He attributes this to the dedicated staff.

Why does Roger think it's important for care center staff to know the residents?

Roger believes that when staff get to know the residents and their idiosyncrasies, it helps them work together more effectively and provide better care.

What does Roger think about residents who take their frustrations out on the staff?

Roger finds it troubling when residents take their frustration out on the staff. He suggests that even though many residents might feel stuck in the care center, it's important not to mistreat the staff who are there to help.

What advice does Roger give to residents who may feel unhappy in the care center?

Roger advises residents to stop pouting and feeling sorry for themselves. He encourages them to make the most of their situation and enjoy the ambiance and activities available in the care center.

What is Roger's overall attitude towards life in the care center?

Despite his challenges, Roger has a positive attitude. He encourages others to enjoy life in the care center and find joy in unexpected places, suggesting it can lead to doing wonderful things.