Rehab. Patients

Any facility with short term rehab patients, probably struggles with what to do to reach them with activities.   I have also always found this to be a challenge.  Our rehab unit is 40 beds, and generally they are not here more than 1 month, and often don't want to do groups with the long term care residents.  I feel that it is OK to care plan that they are focused on therapy, and do not wish to participate in activity groups at this time.  If you visit, offer supplies for independent activities etc., then you are meeting their needs.  We also do a DVD cart (all rehab patients have TVs with DVD players in their room), and well as an afternoon coffee cart.  This helps increase our visits, and is an easy way to check on people without being intrusive.  We have also found that rehab patients are more likely to participate in evening groups than any other time of the day.  What is everyone else doing? 

Visiting the Dying

I am sure many of you who have worked in the nursing home setting, have visiting many of your residents in their last days.  I just visited one of the most special women I have ever known, and it literally brought me to tears.  I have worked with the elderly for many years now and have lost many dear and special friends, But this time it is different.  I usually don't  get emotional about it.  But, sometimes some people just get to you.  We all have favorites, even though we know we shouldn't.  Lousie is a favorite for everyone in the building.  Her last words to me, after I told her how much we all loved her was...  " I love you too."  It came out in a weak whisper, but I know she meant it. 
How do you handle dying and the passing of your residents in your facility? 

Books to Read

If you enjoy reading, there are some great books that will give you insight into some of our residents and the issues they are facing.
Here are a few I recommend...

Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom-  Lou Gehrigs disease

Still Alice, by Lisa Genova-  Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease

 Keeper, Living with Nancy, a Journey into Alzheimer's Disease by Andrea Gillies-  Taking Care of someone with Alzheimer's disease

My Stroke of Insight, by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor-  Having and recovering from a Stroke

There are many great books which are fun to read, and educational, and at the same time, can help us understand what our residents are going thru. Thus, helping us care for them. 
If anyone has read any others, please share with us!