It's a Wonderful Life(?) in the Long-Term Care Setting

Dick Van Dyke recently published a book entitled My Lucky Life. In honor of his birthday which is celebrated in December, I facilitated a "Dick Van Dyke" experience with the long-term care residents I work with. Part of the experience was to invite each resident to insert their own adjective in the title, "My _________ Life."

Adjectives included "Great," "Calm," "Excellent," "Happy," Wonderful," "Ordinary," and "Good," to name a few.

It did not at all, however, surprise me when one gentleman adamantly proclaimed, "My miserable life!" What struck me about his comment is that it mirrors everything I experience him to be. He lies in bed, by choice, except for dining. He refuses most invitations to attend group activities. He offers very little reciprocity the times I've made an effort to converse with him. And, case in point, the one time he initiated a conversation was in reaction to my comment that I'll be celebrating my 32rd wedding anniversary this year.

"32 years!" he exclaimed. "To the SAME person?" he added incredulously.

It made me think of a comment a very wise friend, Nancy, said to me a number of years ago.

"The older you get, the more YOU you become."

Though our circumstances may be miserable at times, I find it delightful and inspirational to see that the majority of nursing home residents always seem to find a way to see the cup half full instead of half empty. And, I encourage all direct care workers to remind those who see otherwise, to consider embracing the following adage, "Don't be sad that __________ is over. Be glad that it happened."

So, in the spirit of the Christmas season, I wish you all a very wonderful life.
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Kareen King is a Registered Drama Therapist and founder of The Golden Experience, offering keynotes, concerts, and workshops to enrich lives in long-term care. For booking information, contact her at kking@thegoldenexperience.com or visit www.thegoldenexperience.com.

Kareen's CD's which feature original songs that give voice to individuals in long-term care settings, have been used as caregiver training tools, gifts for long-term care staff and volunteers, and for personal inspiration. To hear samples and to purchase, click http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/KareenKing.