Are we just trying to make an impression on visitors and other residents? If the confused resident doesn't know or care how he is dressed, why should we? It's not bothering him.
2007-01-06 12:49:40 · 11 answers · asked by Florence N 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It is a matter of respect. Please put yourself in his shoes-wouldn't you want to be dressed attractively?
People who have mental impairments need to be treated with dignity, and appropriate dress is a part of this.
2007-01-06 12:55:32 · answer #1 · answered by ambr123 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it does matter because it's being respectful to that person and helping them to maintain their dignity and is part of all-around patient care. If you do work in a residential facility where there are mentally impaired people I strongly suggest that you turn the tables for a moment and imagine what it would be like if you were in their position. Wouldn't you want to be dressed neatly?
But what concerns me about your question is the lack of compassion that you're showing and honestly I don't mean to sound cruel. Just think of what those people must be going through and how you yourself would want to be treated in that situation. I'm sure that it would be with kindness, respect and dignity.
2007-01-06 13:07:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course. They are mentally challenged not dead. They care but may not be totally receptive of the concept themselves. Reasons why families, doctors, or themselves are checked into facilities to be looked after. They want to be be a part of society and they know that it's going to take some work. However by totally alienating them and not giving them a respect or a loose shred of dignity that really disgraces their being and those who care for them. I believe it is important to keep up with hygiene and those who are in duty to do so should remain true to that and not make excuses to find more 'break' time and/or find time to do something other than tending to patients or residents. Even when someone dies we adorn them and dress them up why not someone alive (although not mentally there)? Had they been more receptive and 'normal' they would keep themselves in a neat order we presume. The idea of assisted living is living with assistance b/c they lack certain skills or areas of their faculties.
I personally don't think your cut out to be in that line of work if your making comments like that or asking something so cold-hearted.
2007-01-06 12:58:14 · answer #3 · answered by Truth 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you should care. That's your freaking job. And how do you know he doesn't care? He might not be able to tell you if he's "mentally impaired" as you say. I think you might need to look for a different job--- this might not be your forte. You don't seem to "get it." Your residents are people too, and it's your job to dress them like they matter. Oh and hello people--- this is a perfect example of why NOT to drop your elderly parents/ disabled family members off at nursing homes.
2007-01-06 12:53:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just because the person is impaired doesn't make him not a person. May be you should ask yourself how you'd feel. If putting matching clothes on the patients is so hard for you maybe you should find a different line of work! How do you know it wouldn't bother him.
2007-01-06 12:54:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're there to help. If you were in an accident that left you mentally impaired wouldn't you want to be dressed as you currently do? To not care is to say they are not important.
2007-01-06 12:53:33 · answer #6 · answered by juzbcuz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It makes a big difference. Everyone who sees this individual is affected by what he/she is wearing. People are treated better by others if they are dressed in clean and neat clothing. It also speaks about the care delivered at the facility.
2007-01-06 14:14:32 · answer #7 · answered by nursienurse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work with the mentally challenged, and we are taught to teach them about hygiene and good grooming. We try to encourage them to care about the way they dress and look. Some times it doesn't work. But you have to try. They are people like you and I and it is our job to teach them. They have rights, and one is to be clean. It may take sometime to teach them, but in the end when they are proud of themselves and feel better about themselves it is so rewarding to them and you.
2007-01-06 13:09:08 · answer #8 · answered by catlov32710@verizon.net 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel out of human compassion it would be nice to help the poor soul out. Bad enough he has a disability that he can't help, but why let him walk around drawing more attention to himself than what is needed? Your right-he knows no better, but we do, and it would only take a little kindness to help out. So, we should just let someone who is blind walk around in polka dots, and stripes-just because they can't see-and don't know any better?
2007-01-06 12:56:57 · answer #9 · answered by sue d 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you have to ask this question....you are definately working in the wrong field.
2007-01-06 14:06:25 · answer #10 · answered by dali333 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋