I can remember when I was 11 years old and my great grandfather was in a skilled nursing facility because of an increase in health problems. I can recall my mother telling my sister and I that we were going to go visit him for the first time that day. I was a little nervous because I did not know what to expect. As soon as we entered the building, there were residents lining the halls. Some were shouting and making noises that alarmed us. However, others were friendly and said hello. We walked to my great grandfathers room and began to visit with him. Probably 15 minutes later, an older lady entered his room. She was calling us names that were not our own. She began to hug us and tell how how pretty we were. She went on to say how she wanted to take us home. As younger children, my sister and I did not realize this lady had dementia. We were incredibly shaken and did not want to return to the home. From that day on, the same woman would always show up at my grandfathers room. My mother tried to explain things to us but we were still uncomfortable every time we visited him.
Growing up, I would share this experience with my friends and they had similar tales. It seems like children all get fearful when they enter a nursing home and get confronted by residents who have a mental illness. This can be a way of thinking that sticks with a person for a long time
Fast forward, last summer I began my classes to become a certified nursing assistant. I would be working in a nursing home that has a lot of residents that are affected with mental illness. I will not lie in saying that I was a little nervous to begin this new chapter. After working with the residents every week, I no longer saw the mental illness; these were people who just wanted your time. Sometimes they may call you a name that is not yours or hug you but that does not mean you should panic around them.
I think children and even adults need to be more educated on this subject. No one should have a presentiment when they enter a nursing home. That is the residents home, so you are coming in to their home. Education will lead to feeling more comfortable when visiting a loved one. Walk in with a smile on your face and ask how the resident is doing, you will honestly make the residents day. Most of these people do not get visitors often, so jus engaging with them will create ease. I went from a little girl who was on the verge of tears upon entering the home, to a young adult who loves spending time with residents who do not always have the best days.
