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.
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
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 :(
ReplyDeleteEven better if the job interests you.
oops sorry, Hels
DeleteTwo days will be perfect while I try to deal with parent admin.
DeleteHave you developed things to do since retirement?
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.
ReplyDeleteWell done you on a two days a week work schedule.
XO
WWW
www, the hope was for a holiday then 4 or 5 days but I think this will work for now.
DeleteIve seen aggression in dementia. Its scary and heartbreaking
Good Luck with your new job and lucky you for long weekends!
ReplyDeleteHaving dealt with Mom's cognitive issues, I understand "mailing" Pete's letters in the drawer.
Hi Anne,
DeleteI was surprised to see the drawer full of letters but I completely understand
Two days work a week sounds good to me, says he who doesn't work one.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the NSW Art Gallery has missed out on a large bequest.
Large bequests come in gold envelopes, Andrew 😉
DeleteWorking with the irrational is always a challenge. Sometimes you win and sometimes it's a siege.
ReplyDeleteThe hard part is knowing who has their marbles and who doesnt
DeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteMegan.
Im easily entertained 😅
DeleteAnd yes, there will be time for other things
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.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Linda im guessing
DeleteGood luck, Kylie, sounds like you will have plenty of tales to tell in the future!
ReplyDeleteSx
I hope so, Ms Scarlet xo
DeleteA 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?
ReplyDeleteI just read my previous post to see what id said about mum and realised im being very repetitive!
DeleteLucky 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 🙂
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.
ReplyDeleteIve 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
DeletePoor 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.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he wanted to tell them about his no good son?
DeleteI think I'll like it, Neil. Customer facing is always good for me and we are already adding more of that to my days