I am getting tired of one of my clients always complaining to me that someone "switched" the wheels she has that she can attach to her suitcase. I feel like saying "What difference does it make?" but I don't. I just sit and listen to her politely.
2006-08-25 16:47:28 · 13 answers · asked by Dellajoy 6 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
some of them dont even realize they are doing it.my g-ma is now 84 and she is totally losing it.its always the little things that mean a lot to the elderly people why you ask because its easy for them to remember.my g-ma gets her hair done every friday and has been with the same lady doing it for 33 yrs if she has to go somewhere else over and over we have to hear about it because she doesnt like the way the other lady does it and all it is is a set and comb out.so to us the little things dont make a difference but one day they might so u are doing the right thing by just listening and agreeing with her we may need someone like u one day and we will want them to listen to.their life is almost over with what else do they have to complain about?
2006-08-25 17:00:18 · answer #1 · answered by nvvlewis 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It could be dementia. A mailman friend of mine says he had an elderly person accuse everyone in the neighborhood of stealing a certain magazine out of his mailbox. it got to the point where the carrier's supervisor had to get a sign-off sheet every time the magazine got delivered - of course the guy was senile and forgot the magazine somewhere - probably in the garage. Just remember the poor client of yours has no real control over the situation - but you do - you don't have to let it get to you so much (yeah, I'm sensitive too - it's hard to stop it completely, I know). Just thank God you don't have that same condition.
2006-08-26 00:53:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She doesn't have anything else to focus on but her own little world. And it's a small world if she's alone and doesn't get out. My grandmother lived alone until she turned 85 and all she could talk about were were bowels and her ailments. How terrible she felt all the time.
But now she's living in an assisted living center and she loves it. Talks about the other ladies, who wore what, and what they had for lunch. It's still a small world but it's a heck of alot bigger than before. And she is much happier.
Maybe your friend just needs a little bit bigger world?
2006-08-26 10:03:15 · answer #3 · answered by Simone 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that it's because they don't have control of everything they'd like to, anymore. I'd imagine that must be one of the hardest things to accept when you're older and can't do all the things for yourself that your mind is telling you should be simple. They've lost control of the little everyday things, and someone else has to do stuff for them. If they don't get out much, what other input is there, except the small things that their minds focus on? Anybody in that position is apt to start seeing trickery and deceit in odd things around them. Bummer.
2006-08-26 00:08:16 · answer #4 · answered by Crooks Gap 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your client is getting some dementia. Paranoia is actually a symptom of senile dementia and sometimes Alzheimer's. Just try to be sympathetic and reassuring (positive), maybe change the subject. Remember, they don't have much else to think (or worry) about so the small things tend to be blown-up in their minds.
2006-08-25 23:55:06 · answer #5 · answered by heather 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You know, you answered your own question! What difference does it make? If it makes an old person, especially a client who must be paying for something from you, feel like you are a friend and they can confide in you, what difference does it make?
2006-08-25 23:54:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One day you might become housebound and then you will understand. But for now, I will help you to understand.
Their world becomes too small. Small things are magnefied. They do not have the ability to cope with the small problems that you and I face everyday. We can brush them off because we are busy and are constantly exercising our coping skills without realizing it. For people who have very little going on, the little they have is the big stuff for them.
Hope this helps. Keep listening to her, and take on the perspective of compassion because she needs you. Good luck!
2006-08-25 23:55:04 · answer #7 · answered by sweet_leaf 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I can tell you're a caring person....But the only one you care about is you! If this Lady is a client you are getting PAID to do what ever you do. I hope when you get to be her age you remember what you were thinking,and don't do it to ever is stuck with you.
2006-08-26 00:05:02 · answer #8 · answered by whataboutme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some day when you are old and lonely and have had plenty of time to think instead of talk you will understand that "mundane" stuff people talk about. They are lonely and for some reason felt they could talk to you.
2006-08-25 23:53:22 · answer #9 · answered by untchble 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Boredom.
2006-08-26 11:40:14 · answer #10 · answered by canucklehead1951 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋