Tales from Aged Care

A while back I told you how my one time piano teacher is a resident of the aged care facility where I work. Her husband lives in the retirement village on-site. Even when I was a student, I was aware of Mr Piano. She spoke of him often and I was aware that he was used to having people jump to attention.

Now he is an old man who phones persistently and sometimes makes unreasonable requests. It didn't take me long to realise he is highly anxious so one day we silently came to an agreement. Mr P was being a bit demanding and I gave him all the respect in the world but held a calm, firm line. I can't remember what it was about but I know he has treated me like an old friend ever since.

Mrs P is coming very close to the end of her life and Mr P is distraught. Today he was nearby and I popped out to talk to him. "Did you know Mrs P was my piano teacher?" 

"No, I didn't, do you still play? I'm so glad you told me that. I still have the piano, you know....."

And off he went, telling me about the piano and various other things.

At one point he told me he doesn't mean to be but he thinks he is a pain to the staff. The right response just came to my head and I told him, very truthfully, that we are all very respectful of his dedication to her.

It was just a ten minute conversation but it was one of the most beautiful ten minutes of my week.