Thursday, 10 July 2025

Pete's Post

Well my longed for break didn't happen the way I had hoped but maybe the latest development in the story of my life will be a break done different.

I managed to transition from my job in the uniform shop to an admin position in aged care. I am working full time this week to try to learn as much as I can then it's down to two days a week.
The young woman who is in the role now wanted to reduce hours so she will stop working tuesdays and thursdays and I will take those hours. Hello long weekends, I say!

So far there's just a mind blowing amount to learn and it's a bit overwhelming but I can do it.

This week a resident came to the office to speak to my colleague. I noticed the chaplain placed himself between the old man and the young woman. Interesting.

The old man asked if the administrator could call his son. 
The reply was sweet and almost charming, a perfectly nice "I called but he didn't pick up"

There was a little grumbling about the miserable son and my colleague showed some steel when she said "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree"

There was a bit more chatter and then the old man pulled an envelope from his bag and handed it over "can you post this?"

It was addressed 

NSW ART GALLERY

There were no other details and no stamp. I thought it was a very nice service for residents but wondered how much work was put into correcting addresses.

The old man said thanks and goodbye then wandered off.

My colleague opened a drawer full of similar envelopes and added the newest one to the pile.  

Our letter writer has some dementia and writes strange notes, then adds the business card of the centre manager, who has taken a number of calls from confused or offended members of the public. So, no more posting things for *Pete.



*Name changed for the purpose of privacy and alliteration

23 comments:

  1. Two days a week is an excellent compromise. Not in financial terms, perhaps, but in having some structure to each week. After I retired, I would wake up each morning and wonder what to plan for that day... ummm nothing :(
    Even better if the job interests you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Two days will be perfect while I try to deal with parent admin.
      Have you developed things to do since retirement?

      Delete
  2. A little challenging I would think Kylie. I am the chair of the tenants' committee in an independent seniors' residence but some tip over the edge into dementia. It's a delicate line we walk here. I call wellness checks now and again. It can be difficult to deal with and some can get aggressive.
    Well done you on a two days a week work schedule.
    XO
    WWW

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. www, the hope was for a holiday then 4 or 5 days but I think this will work for now.
      Ive seen aggression in dementia. Its scary and heartbreaking

      Delete
  3. Good Luck with your new job and lucky you for long weekends!
    Having dealt with Mom's cognitive issues, I understand "mailing" Pete's letters in the drawer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anne,
      I was surprised to see the drawer full of letters but I completely understand

      Delete
  4. Two days work a week sounds good to me, says he who doesn't work one.
    I wonder if the NSW Art Gallery has missed out on a large bequest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Large bequests come in gold envelopes, Andrew 😉

      Delete
  5. Working with the irrational is always a challenge. Sometimes you win and sometimes it's a siege.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The hard part is knowing who has their marbles and who doesnt

      Delete
  6. Your new employment certainly sounds like it will keep you entertained. Two days a week sounds great, lots of time for other things to be enjoyed.
    Megan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Im easily entertained 😅
      And yes, there will be time for other things

      Delete
  7. This schedule will leave you with time to see about your mother, at least. If you can live off that, it will be good for a season. You will probably get more days.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Good luck, Kylie, sounds like you will have plenty of tales to tell in the future!
    Sx

    ReplyDelete
  9. A good solution for a delicate situation, the drawer post office I mean. I like your attitude that you can do this job even if it seems a lot right now. Maybe as time goes by your colleague will enjoy her time off so much she will want more of it. How is your mother doing now?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just read my previous post to see what id said about mum and realised im being very repetitive!
      Lucky you're a forgiving bunch.
      Mum enters aged care tomorrow. Its not a great room but we can apply to move her when something else is available. I think the care should be good.
      And my colleague is in early pregnancy so I might have extra hours in 5 or 6 months 🙂

      Delete
  10. Good luck with your new job. That's funny, your finding a drawer full of similar envelopes. I can imagine as you say it can be tricky telling those of sound mind from the others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ive learnt from several past experiences that it can be hard to know if a person is really in the same reality as the rest of us

      Delete
  11. Poor Pete! I wonder what he had to say to the NSW ART GALLERY. Perhaps he wanted to berate them about their exhibits or maybe Pete has created a masterpiece that he wishes to donate to the NSW ART GALLERY. I hope you come to enjoy your new role Kylie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe he wanted to tell them about his no good son?
      I think I'll like it, Neil. Customer facing is always good for me and we are already adding more of that to my days

      Delete

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