I’m reminded in my daily work that it’s only possible by God’s grace, and that we need to depend on Him all the time. We become less independent as we age.
Many of our NH residents need to be cared for due to this reduced independence; some are bedbound, and some can’t communicate due to stroke. Many of them also don’t get a lot of family visits or interaction with others. So we have to understand and accept that they are struggling with frustration, boredom, loneliness, and other emotions, and that they have different temperaments that deal with challenges in many different ways.
It can be hard to deal with disappointment when we try to connect with them but they get offended and reject us, but we need to recognise that while we cannot help them with their physical and situational pains, we can (eventually) give them mental and emotional help. It does take a while to find and make connections when we are new to one another, but persistence pays off. I hold their hands whenever possible, for that human connection, and it is a very warm feeling when they respond, like grasping my hand with the little strength they have. It’s very fulfilling to comfort, cheer, and encourage them, to listen to their stories and grievances, to pray with them and give them a sense of hope—this is my greatest joy in this ministry.
