Working with older adults is a delicate matter. Many adults in their late 80’s and 90’s struggle with a plethora of issues, such as trouble moving around, eating, and little to no memory. I work as a waitress with these types of adults, at a retirement home called Vicar’s Landing, and there becomes a pattern of familiarity while dealing with these adults needs and concerns. I’ve been working with older adults for over two years now, and interacting with the people and their has taught me a lot.

1. Familiarity; as a waitress seeing the same people everyday, I learn what they like, and the familiarity with these adults make serving them more efficient, while making them happier.
2. The Easiness of the Job; I constantly tell my friends this is the easiest job I’ll ever have. The other waiters and I serve the same residents every night, and never have to deal with money, because the members have an account their meals are charged out to. Most nights consist of only four to five tables per two waiters.
3. Diverse Backgrounds; All the older adults at Vicar’s Landing have to be wealthy enough to at least afford a one bedroom apartment, ($215,750), so most of the residents at Vicar’s Landing are quite wealthy. Some residents come from old money, money that’s been in their families for centuries, others earned their money by being actors, lawyers, doctors, top military officials, and many other interesting professions. It’s very interesting to hear what residents did to end up at Vicar’s.
4. The Wisdom; Old people have always been perpetrated as wise, and occasionally that stereotype is true. I’ve gone to many residents for advice on school or applying to jobs. All the advice must’ve been good, since I’m going into college and I got a higher paying job.
5. The Caring Nature; the residents are always concerned with what the waitstaff has going on. They like to make sure we’re doing alright, and will ask just about every time we serve them. I know it makes me feel appreciated, if I have something going on I always have someone to talk to.
6. The Favorites; just like any waitress, I have favorite customers too, except I see them every night. It’s very easy to get attached to the residents, but it can also be heartbreaking. Residents can easily get sick or hospitalized. Having favorite residents and watching their health deteriorate is so unfortunate. They become like a second set of grandparents, so if one passes away it’s like losing family.

In conclusion, working with older adults is very rewarding, as well as somewhat depressing, That’s why most workers at Vicar’s, the waitstaff, cleaners, nurses, all treat the residents with intense compassion, even if they’re being grumpy or difficult, because no one knows if it’s the last time we’ll see them.